LongIsland NASSAU EDITION
Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2017
Family Vacation Guide • Washington, D.C., with kids • Cruises that leave from NYC • Why teens will love Niagara Falls
Holiday Fun! Tree and menorah lightings, Nutcracker performances, & Hanukkah recipes
The Big Apple Circus Is Back
A behind-the-scenes look at why it’s ‘better than ever’
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
December 2017 ››
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Features
14 The Big Top is Back After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center.
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18 How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing from the New York area. 22 A Capital Adventure As it turns out, Washington, D.C., is a great place to take young kids. 24 I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls Seven surprises of taking a mother-daughter weekend trip to the falls 40 Celebrate the Festival of Lights Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah
22
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Blogger Emma Johnson discusses raising kids as a single mom. 50 Voices: Reflections of a [Not So] ‘Very Cool Dad’
Fun & Activities
12 DIY Corner: Crafty Gift Guide 13 Media Matters: Apps That Keep Families Close 26 Outing: Pleasantville, Westchester County 27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree 39 Where-To Guide: Kid-Friendly Museums
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Family Activities CALENDAR ››
Directories
27
42 44 45 46 48 49
#SnapShot2017 Meet the Health Care Professional Open Houses Party Central Professional Services Advertisers’ Index
Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com)
››
ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Big Apple Circus is Back Holiday Fun: 27 Lightings and Nutcracker performances 40 Hanukkah recipes Family Vacation Guide: 18 Cruises that leave from NYC 22 Washington, D.C., with kids 24 Why teens will love Niagara Falls facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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DECEMBER 2017 • Vol.9 • No.7
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik
EDITOR’S NOTE
MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf
A Season of Cheer, and Changes
REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Jordan Laird
H
appy holidays! As 2017 dwindles and 2018 dawns, it’s a time for changes everywhere, including here at NYMetroParents. I’m Deborah Skolnik, the brand’s new editorial director. Though you and I don’t know each other well—yet—we already have plenty in common, because I’m in the trenches right alongside you, raising children. I know what it’s like to hold a laughing baby up over my head and have her drool right into my open mouth (a mistake I made only once); to spend an afternoon scrubbing my living-room walls because my toddler decorated them with a red china marker; to lie awake at night with an aching heart after preschool graduation, and elementary and middle school graduation, as well. My daughters are 13 and 17 now, which means I’ve also figured out the best way to embarrass adolescents (by dancing/ pointing/breathing in public). I bet you’re familiar with some of these things, too. But I also know that every mom and dad’s journey is unique. That’s why I’m so excited to work for a brand with such a great motto: “Helping parents make better decisions.” We understand that your time, money, and energy are precious commodities, and we’re here to show you how to make the most of all three. Leaf through this issue, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Planning a holiday trip over your long-awaited winter break? Cruising with kids is more popular than ever, but the children’s programs on ships can vary widely. To help you figure it all out, we’ve got the ultimate guide to family-friendly cruises that leave from the NYC area, by Emma Steven (p. 18). If you’re more of a landlubber, you’ll want to check out Judy Koutsky’s report on touring Washington, D.C., with her elementary-school-aged sons (p. 22), as well the surprising discoveries that Christina Vercelletto made while visiting Niagara Falls with her teenage daughter (p. 24). Of course, there’s plenty of fun to be had right around here. Katelin Walling treats us to a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Big Apple Circus (p. 14), which is back at Lincoln Center and better than ever…we’re talking seven-people-making-a-pyramidon-a-high-wire better. (And you thought your life is a balancing act!) If you’ve ever thought about cutting your own Christmas tree, we’ll show you the best places to do it (p. 38). In addition, our roundup of kid-friendly museums (p. 39) will help you inject a little culture into this month’s stretch of delightfully school-free days. We at NYMetroParents are here to help you do your best, in the way that’s best for you. But no matter what, I hope everyone reading this letter has a holiday season that’s exactly the same—filled with joy, peace, laughter, and love. Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-np
Who: RoboMindTech What’s New: A location within Great Neck Kids Learning Group, which opened in September. RoboMindTech teaches STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to children ages 4-16. Founder Dennis Chan opened RoboMindTech’s new STEM lab to provide more programs for children to work on fun, hands-on STEM projects such as Lego robotics, VEX robots, and Robot Olympic Games. From robotics to video game design to coding and creative play, RoboMindTech offers a variety of immersive after-school programs, vacation camps, and school programs, as well as competition team development for children interested in STEM. Want More Info: 25 Cutter Mill Road, #4, Great Neck; 185-10 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows; 718-264-7626; robomindtech@gmail.com
Courtesy RoboMindTech
STEM Education Center Opens in Great Neck
The RoboMindTech New York robotics team participated in the World Robot Olympiad and represented the United States.
Who: Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C. What’s New: A Melville location, which special education attorney Brad Rosken moved his practice to from Huntington in October. Primarily, Rosken helps parents of children with special needs understand and work with local school districts to provide the best education for their child. This includes preparing parents for meetings in which school districts discuss what they feel is appropriate to meet a child’s needs. Rosken also provides counsel for disciplinary matters; testing accommodations; support for issues pertaining to failures of the Americans with Disabilities Act; accommodations for students with disabilities in school, camp, or college; and more. Want More Info: 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville; 631-209-4077; specialedcounselor.com
Iris B. Rosken
Special Education Attorney Moves Practice to Melville
Attorney Brad Rosken specializes in education, school, and disability law for students with special needs.
Who: Music School of New York City What’s New: A location in Mineola, which opened in October and offers conservatory-level training to students of all levels ages 3 and older in piano, violin, cello, guitar, and voice. The Mineola location has four large studios equipped with state-of-the-art Yamaha grand pianos. Starting in Spring 2018, it will offer piano and violin master classes semiannually. A master class is typically a public lesson with a world-renowned guest artist in which students and teachers watch and learn from each of the performances. Vocal master classes may be added in the future. Want More Info: 234D Jericho Turnpike, Mineola; 516-515-0144; info@ musicschoolofnyc.com; musicschoolofnyc.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Music School of New York City
Music School Opens Mineola Location
All students are accepted into the Mineola location of Music School of New York City, which has a waiting area where parents can sit and observe lessons.
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UOTABLES Blogging has a way of curating our life and trying to make things always look perfect and that’s just not reality. Some days I’m isolated from the world and my only window to what’s going on is my computer and some days I’m running around the city and sweating my ass off trying to get the stroller up and down those damn subway steps. —Allison Cooper, in a post entitled “Thoughts On Quieting My Mind,” on her blog projectmotherhoodnyc.com
in an instagram This pretty much sums up the past year... “Hey Mom and Dad, you guys still can’t keep up with me? Ha!” #jdpodolsky #cashmeoutsidehowboutdat (Posted by Manhattan mom @callybabie, aka Caroline Wexler)
A SPECIAL HOLIDAY FOR SPECIAL KIDS
in an instagram
“The holidays can be fun, exciting, and filled with lots of activities, especially right here in New York City. Some of those can be loud and crowded, too. When you have a child with special needs, this time of year can be challenging. While I want my son to be part of it, not everything works for him and his needs. After lots of trial and error, I have figured out the best way to make him feel included, while hopefully having him understand what is going on. I do have to work extra hard to make this happen but I know it is worth it in the end.”
I ❤ Bay Ridge! #bayridge #bayridgebrooklyn #brooklynkids #atreegrowsinbrooklyn #brooklynliving #nycliving #scooter #microscooter #afterschool #kindergartener
In an article entitled “Spending the Holidays with a Child with Autism,” by Dana Greenburg; read the full piece at nymetroparents.com/holidays-autism.
(Posted by @usjapanfam, aka Heather Tomoyasu, who blogs at usjapanfam.com)
“Every tantrum is different, every kid is different, every situation unfolds differently. Sometimes you’re in a good mood and taking a leisurely walk in the park, sometimes you’re already frustrated and running late. Sometimes you’re at home, sometimes you’re in Target, sometimes you’re at a restaurant... Sometimes there’s an obvious reason for the tantrum (you denied the kid a toy, you took the iPad away, big brother ate a candy bar in front of little brother), and sometimes there is no reason at all.” —Mike Julianelle, in a post entitled “Expert Tips for Parents Are Great (In Theory),” on his blog dadandburied.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SEE THE WINDOWS: Find department-store holiday displays at nymetroparents.com/windows. CHOO CHOO!: See where to find holiday train shows at nymetroparents.com/holiday-trains. COLD & FLU SEASON: Learn how to avoid common childhood illnesses at nymetroparents.com/prevent. HIT THE ICE: Find ice-skating rinks near you at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.
NYMP Q&A
All The Single Mommies
Social Thinking in a Social World
››
By Bethany Braun-Silva
Emma Johnson is the founder of the blog WealthySingleMommy.com, geared toward successful women who are raising kids solo, and recently wrote the book The Kickass Single Mom. What does it mean to be a “kickass single mom”? The goal is for women to live life fully on their own terms. We are living in a time of unprecedented opportunity, rights, and freedom for women. How do we make the most of these, while also honoring our own needs and dreams? This means each woman must think and act outside of any preconceived boxes. However, there are some tenets of “kickassiness”: Having or striving for financial independence, prioritizing our romantic needs, giving back, and focusing on being the kind of women we want our daughters to grow up to be, and our sons to embrace as their peers in every regard. What are your tips for successful co-parenting? Start from a position of 50-50. Except in cases of abuse, each parent should be presumed equal and competent, with the same rights and responsibilities for the children. This means equal time with the kids; equal say in matters like education, health, and religion; and equal priority for each parent’s extended family, including new romantic partners. Not long ago my work travel schedule suddenly became incredibly busy, and both my boyfriend and my ex’s girlfriend offered to help with the kids. A few years ago my ex and I wouldn’t have been able to negotiate that without a brawl, but I am here to tell you this kind of cooperation is an incredible gift to the kids and their adults, both logistically and emotionally. Also, whenever possible, eliminate or minimize money tension between your kids’ dad and yourself. If you are constantly fighting over money, or one person is angry with the other over sums paid or not paid, find ways to automate any payments, make transparent out-of-pocket expenses for the kids (for things like health care, extracurricular activities, child care), or bring in a mediator to smooth things over. What are the advantages for kids being raised by a single mom? Many women find that single motherhood suits them far better than parenting inside of a traditional partnership. The kids benefit from mothers who are living their best lives. Also, single moms tend to take on tasks that have traditionally been assigned to men, such as breadwinning, home repairs, and yard work. Kids in these families are graced with an enlightened view of what men and women can and should do. All children in single-mom families have the advantage of knowing that family can mean different things to different people. Chances are, kids of single moms will have less time with their mother, because she works more and/or because they spend more time with their other parent. Lots of research has found that children benefit from the closer relationships they form with the other caregivers in their lives, such as grandparents and babysitters.
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DIY CORNER Crafty Gift Guide
By Katelin Walling
From subscription boxes to one-off kits, these crafty gifts give your DIY-lover the satisfaction of creating his or her own gift. Bonus: All materials needed to complete each project are included in the kit, or are common household items, so you won’t have to go to the store for a last-minute supply run.
Court esy K iwiCo
7 DIY Kits for the Crafter in Your Life
Creative Crates at Your Door
The subscription-based KiwiCo offers boxes for ages newborn to 2, 3-4, 5-8, and 9 and older that include creative materials or a full project and more, depending on the age range. Created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents bring enriching experiences to their children, boxes can be gifted in one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. ($16.95-$19.95 per month; kiwico.com)
Court esy
Inspired by Netflix’s Project MC2, the Project MC2 Perfume Science Kit encourages girls to use STEAM skills to make their own signature scent. The set comes with a mini science lab and two scents; common kitchen ingredients such as lemon juice and vanilla also can be used to create fragrances. Other kits in the line include Crayon Makeup and H2O Nail. ($19.99-$29.99; toysrus.com)
ent
Founded in 2012 by designer Todd Oldham to inspire kids’ creativity and inventiveness, Kid Made Modern has kits for all the crafters in your life. You’ll find a wide range of appealing projects, from drawing comic books to designing jewelry and customizing musical instruments. ($14.99-$39.99; kidmademodern.com)
rtainm
Innovative Beauty
MGA Ente
ern
Courtesy Kid Made Mod
Kid Made Crafty
Mini Wonkas Courtesy Handcrafted HoneyBee
If your little crafter is into beauty products, but you’re worried about what’s in said products, you’ll love Handcrafted HoneyBee. These kits— created by a husbandand-wife team with backgrounds in education, math, and engineering—utilize STEAM education and Whole Brain Learning, while enabling girls to create skin care products such as lip balms and clay masks. ($28; handcraftedhoneybee.com)
Aspiring artists will appreciate the Art Making with MoMA kits, designed by Museum of Modern Art educators. They’re an easy way to create original artwork, while exploring the materials and techniques favored by such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, and Vincent van Gogh. Selections include Storytelling Art, Action Painting, and Brushstroke and Color-Mixing. ($16-$25; store.moma.org)
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Knit 1, Purl 1 Whether your crafter is an experienced knitter or picking up the needles for the first time, We Are Knitters offers a project kit that’s right at his or her skill level. Using sustainable, natural, and sometimes recycled fibers, the (aspiring) knitter in your life can make anything from a clutch or hat to a blanket or sweater. ($29-$250; weareknitters.com)
Courtesy We Are Knitters
A Design tesy MoM Coure, .moma.org Stor store
Inspired by Fine Art
Little candy lovers can DIY their own sweet treats with Glee Gum’s Make Your Own candy kits, which are designed to connect kids to the global community. Made from natural ingredients, the easy-to-use kits teach kids why seaweed is the secret to gummies, how rainforest rubber gives gum its bounce, and why the story of chocolate begins in the tropics. ($13.95; gleegum.com)
Courtesy Glee Gum
Busy (Beauty) Bee
Kindoma Storytime (Free,
Media Matters: APPS
Recommended age: 4+
Apps That Keep Families Close
with in-app purchases)
★★★★
This great app makes lon
g-distance shared readin g easy. iPad
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
Heads Up! ($0.99)
Recommended age: 7+
★
★★★ Family fun is guaranteed with this guessing game. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016
Recommended age: 8+
The classic game takes kid
Edition ($2.99)
★★★★★
s on a speedy 3-D adven ture. iPad, Android
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
Virtual Geocaching—Xnote
Recommended age: 12+
Send personalized, virtua
($2.99)
★★★★
l treasure hunts to any sm artphone. iPad
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch,
In Theaters Dec. 15: Ferdinand Parents need to know that Ferdinand is an animated, modernized take on the classic picture book The Story of Ferdinand. Ferdinand (voiced by John Cena) is a gentle bull who prefers sniffing flowers to fighting in an arena. But when villains see how big and scary-looking he is, they kidnap him to make him fight. He must rely on new friends (Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, David Tennant, and more) to escape and stay true to himself. The bright, colorful animation goes far beyond the book’s ink illustrations, and it’s safe to expect lots more slapstick and some rude humor. But overall this looks like a sweet, funny movie that kids and families will enjoy.
Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
Skate to your inner amazing. Group ice skating classes are a great way to get your child started in the sport. Northwell Health Ice Center’s program offers something for everyone—from first steps on the ice to mastering advanced skating skills.
Winter classes start January 4th
Enroll now! Visit NorthwellHealthIceCenter.com to learn more.
LongIslandParent 13
Katelin Walling
“As long as you need to love, laugh, and wonder, the Big Apple Circus is here for you,” Ringmaster Ty McFarlan said at the end of the show.
The Big Top is Back
››
After filing for bankruptcy, the Big Apple Circus returns—under new ownership—to Lincoln Center, with Nik Wallenda and Grandma the Clown as headliners. By Katelin Walling
G
“
ood…good…good…good…good…good.” Grandma the Clown and I stopped talking mid-conversation—and I held my breath—as we gazed at the high wire in the Big Apple Circus tent. Nik Wallenda and his troupe were practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid during the last week of rehearsals before the circus officially opened, and I had a front-row seat. Other than the hum of the fans running to inflate the safety air mattress in the ring, all I could hear was the mid-walk check-in from the high-wire walkers—and it’s no different in performances. When I saw the full show during opening weekend, even the babies and toddlers in the audience seemed to realize that something dangerous and awesome was going on 40 feet in the air and didn’t make a sound. If the Wallenda name isn’t familiar to you, it will be once you see the Big Apple Circus this winter. Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation member of the legendary Wallenda family, is headlining the 40th anniversary season of the Big Apple Circus with Barry Lubin, aka Grandma the Clown, who is appearing in her 26th season with the Circus.
‘The Big Apple Circus is Bigger and Better Than Ever’
I know what you’re thinking: Didn’t the Big Apple Circus file for bankruptcy last year? You’re right; it did. And that’s when Neil Kahanovitz, its chairman, stepped in. “I put together a group of people who wanted to keep the Big Apple Circus alive and in New York City,” he says. That group, Big Top Works, acquired the circus nearly a year ago. Kahanovitz—a spinal surgeon who took a five-year leave of absence from medical school in his 20s to be a circus performer—had compelling reasons to save the Big Apple Circus. “It’s one of the shining stars of the unique culture in New York City. You have Lincoln Center, which is the premier performing arts center in the United States, and right there for almost three months during the holiday season, you have what is now the pre-eminent circus in America,” he says. “And for decades and generations, people have grown used to bringing their kids and now grandchildren to see the Big Apple Circus, so it’s really part of New York’s cultural history.”
Typically the creative team (including the director, choreographer, lighting designer, set designer, and musical supervisor) starts to plan the season almost two years in advance. “This year, because we didn’t know if we were going to be able to buy the circus, we jammed almost two years of activity from a production standpoint into six months,” Kahanovitz says. “It’s been very hectic and…it’s certainly paid off.” Once the performers were confirmed—this year’s show has high-wire walkers, acrobats, clowns, contortionists, and puppies and ponies, among others—the team figured out the run of show with the aim of keeping audience members of all ages captivated. “Pardon the pun, but it’s really a juggling act of putting the acts in the right order so that it flows and continues to build throughout the first act and into the second act,” Kahanovitz says. After the circus completes its almost three-month run in Manhattan, it will travel to Atlanta, GA; Washington, D.C.; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; and possibly a few more cities, taking the tour through July. Kahanovitz’s goal? “That people realize that the Big Apple Circus is bigger and better than ever, that the acts are bar none the best in the world and are all gathered in an incredible production setting that has been developed by New York and Broadway’s finest production teams.”
The Ultimate Balancing Act
Clowning Full Circle
Barry Lubin (Grandma the Clown), on the other hand, “never intended to go into the circus,” he says. While he’d been a bit of a clown growing up, he discovered a passion for professional clowning during his college years. At the time, he was a student at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and thought he was going to become a television director. “The stress level was so unbelievable that I changed majors and changed majors and after three years, I wanted to take a year off to figure it out,” he says. “Well, I never went back because during that year off, I auditioned for [Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey] Clown College and just got drawn to this. I ended up going to Clown College instead of finishing my senior year, and was offered contracts with the now-defunct Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and it just kept snowballing.”
continued on next page ››
ing Katelin Wall
With circus performing in his blood, Wallenda first began walking on the wire as a toddler. “I was about 18 months old…we were in California on a show called Circus Vargas, which is still running to this day, and I was walking up the tent line as my mom was helping me,” he recalls. By age 2, he was performing in the ring as a clown. As a young teen, the high wire beckoned again—“13 years old was my first performance up on a wire,” he says. Growing up in the circus was “an amazing life,” Wallenda says. His mother home-schooled him while they were on the road, and his field trips were to cultural meccas such as the Smithsonian and Gettysburg. “Wherever we were, we got to see history face to face,” he recalls. When the family was not touring, Wallenda attended private school. “It was a pretty awesome life for sure, to have a close family like that and to be able to see the world,” he says. “It’s an experience that most children don’t get.” Balancing his family life with performing is challenging for Wallenda, especially when walking on a wire across Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon—huge TV productions that came with a lot of media, a lot of training, and a lot of focus, he says. “The truth is, I went out and did those things because my passion was always performing under a big top,” he adds. “The idea was to go out and do these giant productions to raise attention and raise awareness of what happens [in the tent].” Though Wallenda completed these and other amazing feats (he holds six Guinness World Records for tightrope walking), he says the accomplishment he’s most proud of is raising his three children. While none of Wallenda’s kids have expressed interest in becoming the eighth generation of circus performers, his 15-yearold daughter is following in his footsteps as a home-schooler traveling with her parents and the Big Apple Circus. Wallenda also has two sons, a 19-year-old who enlisted in the Marines, and a 16-year-old who is back home in Sarasota, FL, playing high school football.
As for why Wallenda and his wife, Erendira, who also performs in the show, decided to join the Big Apple Circus this season? “We saw it as a great opportunity. …We saw it as ‘hey, our industry needs a shot in the arm and this is a great opportunity with new leaders, new owners, to go out there and show the United States that the circus industry is still strong and going strong and will continue on,’ ” he says. “This is the premier circus, without question, in the U.S., so we saw it as a great opportunity to come back to the industry that we love and be a part of reinvigorating it. I think as a whole this team can do great wonders for our industry and for our passion.”
Grandma the Clown, performed by Barry Lubin, is back for a 26th season with the Big Apple Circus.
Grandma the Clown was created at the beginning of Lubin’s career, when he was just 22 years old. “Grandma is a compilation of my two grandmothers, who I love very much, and my observation of senior citizens through the years. It’s one of many characters that I started off with, and it’s the one that audience members identified as the one they wanted to see more of,” he says. Lubin has now been performing for 43 years, and this year kicked off Grandma the Clown’s 26th season with the Big Apple Circus. He’d left back in 2012 to pursue other opportunities, one of which was to be the first professional clown to perform on all seven continents, which he completed in January with a show for penguins in Antarctica. “The great thing about Grandma is, in a person’s life a grandmother is a beloved figure...I pay tribute to senior citizens, I don’t make fun of senior citizens. And now, in fact, I am a senior citizen. I’ve come full circle. I was a 22-year-old little old lady and now I’m a 65-year-old little old lady.” His bio on the Big Apple Circus’ website says his daughters “have gracefully navigated the world having to explain that their father is also a Grandma.” Though his children are adults now, Lubin says balancing clowning with raising children was difficult. “Years and years and years ago, the family did travel together, but my wife and I decided we wanted our kids to have the opportunities to take swim classes and dance classes and have a social life that was more like a ‘normal’ child’s,” he says. “Over the years I have missed a lot of important moments in their lives, but I try to minimize that as much as I possibly can. They’re adult children now, so they tolerate it pretty well, and they did back then as well. [But] it made me ache when I had to miss a dance recital or something extremely important in their lives because they only got to do it once.” The chance to have more time with his daughters, who live locally, was part of the equation when deciding to be part of the
A Show for the Young and Young-at-Heart
Back in the arena, the tightrope walkers have finished practicing the Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid and are back on the ground. The staging team works quickly to break down and fold up the safety air mattress and set up for the next act to rehearse, just like they do during full performances. In addition to Wallenda and Grandma the Clown headlining the Big Apple Circus, this year’s show also includes Ty McFarlan as ringmaster; the Anastasini Brothers performing their icarian act (one brother does flips and does tricks while balancing on the other’s feet); Dandino, a roller-skating act; Elayne Kramer, a contortionist and seventh-generation circus performer; Jan Damm performing a ‘rola bola’ balancing act; Gamal Garcia Tuniziani, a juggler and third-generation circus performer; the Flying Tunizianis on trapeze; clown Joel Jeske, “who is a phenomenal partner” to Grandma the Clown, Lubin says; and Jenny Vidbel, who performs with her horses, ponies, and dogs. For those who are concerned about the welfare of the animals performing in the show, rest assured they are treated well. (When I visited the horses and ponies, who are rescue animals, in their clean stables during rehearsals, they were enjoying fresh hay.) “They are part of Jenny’s family. When she rescues these animals, she doesn’t really look at them as performers first. If they do work out to be performers and it’s something they like to do, then good. But if not, they spend the rest of their lives out in the pasture at the farm, which is in a gorgeous setting in upstate New York,” Kahanovitz says. “Those horses and ponies are just as happy as any horse or pony I’ve ever seen, and they’re immaculately taken care of. Jenny, first and foremost, is completely in love with every one of those animals.” And you can see that affection in the show. The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is the show’s finale—an act “that has never been done in New York City, and it’s something that people recognize as the most difficult aerial feat, particularly on the high line,” Kahanovitz says. The pyramid was first conceptualized in 1946, when Wallenda’s great grandfather sat “at his dining room table with a bunch of wine glasses, and said, this would be cool, and started stacking them up and created the seven-person pyramid. He started training for it on the wire in 1947 and performed it all the way through 1962,” Wallenda says. The family stopped performing the stunt that year when two of Wallenda’s uncles died and one Kateli n Wa lling
The Wallenda Seven Person Pyramid is “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” Nik Wallenda says.
Big Apple Circus’ 40th anniversary season. “Getting to spend the holidays with my kids…when I’m all over the globe is very difficult to do, obviously,” Lubin says. “I have a tradition with my kids where on Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at the lights in New Jersey and have dinner together. It’s a very small thing, but a very important thing.” Family time, and the fact that Big Apple Circus is the “best circus in the world,” he adds, made the decision relatively easy. “I’ve crossed almost everything off my bucket list and being back in New York is a big moment for me. When I stepped out of my trailer in makeup just now, to me it was like, this is pretty fantastic. It feels like coming home.”
Maike Schulz
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Nik Wallenda rides a bike across the high wire, while his wife, Erendira, hangs by her mouth 40 feet in the air.
was paralyzed from the waist down during a performance in Detroit, MI. The catastrophe occurred because one of the performers “was under the weather, slipped, and fell,” Wallenda says. The family brought the pyramid back to the high wire in 1998, and now New Yorkers young and young-at-heart can see “the most dangerous feat you can do in the circus world,” according to Wallenda. Producing a show that appeals to all ages is something Kahanovitz says is important to Big Top Works. “What really excites me is to talk to people as they leave the show, and they realize that this is not just a circus for children. It’s a circus for everyone. And we have put together a show that really has something for everyone. Clearly children love it, but what we’re really excited about is the fact that people in their 20s and 30s and parents and grandparents love it just as much, if not more.” The Big Apple Circus is at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center, Manhattan, with performances through Jan. 7, 2018. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bigapplecircus.com.
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How to Choose the Perfect Family Cruise for Your Crew ›› Find the right cruise for your family with these tips and a roundup of cruise lines departing the New York area. By Emma Steven
C
ruises are the fastest-growing category in the leisure travel market—it’s estimated that more than 25 million people will set sail this year. But with so many cruise lines competing to woo families, how do you decide which one is perfect for you? To help, we have gathered tips on how to pick a cruise that fits your crew, along with a list of the best family cruise lines departing from the New York area. All aboard!
Things to Consider When Planning a Cruise What does your family need? Almost all cruises now offer some type of family programming, but the services and facilities vary between cruise lines and even individual ships. Some are better for babies and young kids, some for tweens and teens, and others are best for intergenerational parties. A ship that suits teens who want to entertain themselves may not be great for a sports-enthused tween, or a toddler obsessed with Disney princesses. Do you want drop-off activities for the 18
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kids or to play together as a family? Scheduled or freestyle fun? Investigate what’s offered and consider what each member of the family needs. How old are your kids? Each cruise line splits its kids’ activities by different age ranges. Check that these work for your family, especially if you want siblings to play together. If you have really young kids, double-check that your chosen ship offers drop-off activities. Some will only allow potty-trained kids or children ages 3 and older in their programs. Most ships do not allow children who are not potty trained into the water areas and pools, so if you have a toddler, check first. What size ship suits your party? Larger and newer ships are more likely to have bigger cabins and family suites, as well as exciting-sounding facilities such as bowling alleys and ice-skating rinks. They can also have a party atmosphere and crowds. Smaller ships may have fewer activities, but some fam-
ilies prefer the more sedate atmosphere and shorter lines. If you have teens who like to wander, you’ll want to bring cellphones to keep track of them on a larger ship. How many days do you want the cruise to last? Most lines offer cruises ranging from three to 14 days. Up to seven days can be a good starting point for families and cruise newbies. After all, you don’t want to book a 14-day cruise and discover you hate it on day two! Consider how many days it will take your family to relax and settle in so you can come back from your vacation well rested. What lodgings suit your family’s needs? Each ship has a variety of accommodations, from basic cabins with dividing curtains, to suites with sea views and balconies. Some lines have better basic cabins, some better suites. If you have small kids and won’t be out every night, it’s worth making sure your cabin won’t be above a bar or nightclub.
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Do you want flexible or set dining times? Each cruise line has a multitude of restaurants and dining choices. Some offer flexible, casual dining where you can pick and choose from whatever cuisine you want. Others are more formal, giving you set times to dine each night. Almost all cruises will offer buffets as well as dining rooms, room service, and often at least one formal meal per trip.
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What type of entertainment interests you? Many cruise lines offer big-name performers and Broadway-worthy productions. Others have acrobatic shows, character meet-and-greets, or activity zones so the family can entertain themselves at a water park, ice-skating rink, or bowling alley.
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What atmosphere do you want? Do you prefer a traditional, more formal ship or something more casual? A themed cruise or a trip with unrelated but exciting activities? Do you want to pick activities as you go, or to be scheduled? Some ships have a party atmosphere, while others are more laid-back. Figure out the ambience you desire overall as well as in the mornings and evenings.
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What is your perfect itinerary? From the New York area, the Caribbean is a popular choice for families. Other destinations include city stops in New England and Canada or beach-focused trips to the Bahamas and Bermuda. Some cruise lines stop in Orlando, FL, which is perfect if you want to hit the theme parks or other nearby attractions. Just keep in mind many of the organized activities on land can be expensive, so you may want to plan ahead and book your own entertainment. Read the fine print While some cruises are truly all-inclusive, others may charge more for certain things on board, excursions, or for activities during stops on land. Know what is—and isn’t—included in your ticket price, so you don’t have any surprises when it’s time to disembark.
Family-Friendly Cruise Lines Departing the New York Area More and more families are taking to the high seas for vacation, and New York is a popular place to set sail. Now that you have the tools to plan your cruise, evaluate each cruise line to find the best fit before looking at the specific ships’ offerings. continued on next page ››
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Disney Cruise Line Disney offers some of the most popular cruises for families, particularly families with young children. With just one ship sailing from New York, the Disney Magic, you’ll have to book early. Where to? Itineraries to the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada. Bahamian cruises stop off at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Families on this trip also get the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as one of their stops. Highlights: The big draw is the opportunity to make your kid’s dreams come true as they meet their favorite characters. Options include tea with a princess, character breakfasts (select cruises of seven nights or more only), and character meet-and-greets. Other highlights include Disney movies on the big screen, dinner shows, and splashing in Goofy’s Pool. Disney cruises are famous for their Broadway-quality family entertainment and original shows. Exclusive to Disney Magic is Tangled: The Musical, the first-ever stage adaptation of the animated film. The Pirate Night deck party is also a big hit. Kids clubs: The ships have kids clubs for children ages 6 months and older, including a drop-off nursery (extra fee applies) for babies. Another bonus for families with young children: Disney is one of the only cruise lines with splash areas for kids still in diapers. Dining: Guests are given set dining times; eating at the same time each night with the same people, but rotating through different restaurants. There are also casual options, buffets, in-room, and, of course, character dining. Best for: Families with children ages 12 and younger, but Disney cruises attract fans of all ages. Old and young love the classic, Golden Age styling; famous customer service; and smaller size. To book: disneycruise.disney.go.com Carnival Cruise Line Families enjoy Carnival cruises in part because the ships have lots to do and offer good value for the money, along with a laid-back, social atmosphere. The brand-new Carnival Horizon is scheduled to set sail from New York starting May 2018. Where to? From New York, the Carnival Horizon will depart directly to Bermuda. An itinerary for an Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in Grand Turk, San Juan, and Amber Cove. Highlights: There’s a Seuss character breakfast (green eggs and ham, of course!), a parade, and themed activities. The new Carnival Horizon will also feature a Dr. Seuss-themed water park. The whole family can enjoy exciting water slides; two theaters, including an IMAX; and SportSquare, a large outdoor recreation area including mini golf, a ropes course, and foosball tables, to name a few of its many attractions. Carnival is also famous for its nightlife for grown-ups, including comedy clubs and big-name performers. Kids clubs: On offer for ages 2-17, including a special teen-only lounge with a DJ. Younger children do not have to be potty trained to attend, but children older than 3 will have their parents contacted if they need to be changed. Dining: Standout options include Bonsai Teppanyaki and Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network personality Guy Fieri. Best for: Families with children ages 2 and older. Laid-back cruisers who like to be entertained all the time, even by the pool. Dr. Seuss fans and burger lovers. To book: carnival.com Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line offers a relaxed atmosphere and a huge fleet. The Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, and Gem all sail from New York. 20
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Where to? The ships embarking from New York have itineraries to the Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Eastern Canada and Quebec, and transatlantic (one-way) cruises to London, England. Cruises are also available to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line is a specialist in the Caribbean and has its own island, Great Stirrup Cay, a stop on the Western Caribbean as well as Bahamas and Florida trips. Highlights: Norwegian Cruise Line introduced ‘Freestyle Cruising,’ which means you can follow your own schedule for activities and eating. This cruise line is famous for its nighttime performances and meal entertainment such as Cirque Dreams, an acrobatic and dance show. Kids clubs: The Guppies Nursery (exclusively on the Norwegian Escape), offers care for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Norwegian Cruise Line offers youth programs divided by age groups for children ages 6 months to 17 years. Activities might vary from ship to ship and depending on the age of your child, but some offerings include circus school, theme nights, parades, treasure hunts, and painting. Dining: Options include specialty dining, buffets, room service, and dining rooms. There are no set dining times, but reservations are available. Best for: Families who want to make their own schedule during the day and love shows. To book: ncl.com Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean cruises are a popular choice for families, with nonstop action for every age. Anthem of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas sail from Cape Liberty, NJ. Where to? Cruises departing Cape Liberty head to Bermuda, Bahamas, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, and also have itineraries to Bermuda and Boston, Canada and New England, and Bermuda and Caribbean. Cruises to the Bahamas will enjoy a stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private island, and passengers can also spend a day in Orlando exploring theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center, or Cocoa Beach. Royal Caribbean International also has Fall Foliage Northbound Cruises to experience peak fall, scheduled for September 2018. Highlights: Royal Caribbean is famous for its never-ending list of innovative play zones and activities, including a rock climbing wall, surfing simulator, trapeze school, and skydiving simulator. A partnership with DreamWorks brings character visits and parades on board from movies such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda (available on Anthem of the Seas). Entertainment varies per ship but can include Broadway musicals such as CATS or Grease as well as original productions. Kids clubs: Fun and educational programs are offered by age group for children ages 6 months to 17 years. A drop-off nursery is offered on select ships including Anthem of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has great teen entertainment including parties and nightclubs, and offers group and in-cabin babysitting for children ages 1 and older. Select cruises have a Baby Splash Zone for children who are not completely potty trained. Dining: Choices range from casual to elegant, such as Johnny Rockets diner, Chef Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian (Anthem of the Seas), and Chef’s Table for five-course gourmet meals. Best for: Active families with teens or tweens. Cruisers who are always on the go and want to try everything. Musical lovers. Screenagers who will appreciate the high-speed Wi-Fi. To book: royalcaribbean.com
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Judy Koutsky
Clockwise from left: The author’s sons pose with the Washington Monument in the background during their trip to Washington, D.C., last spring; the author’s sons at the National Air and Space Museum; the author’s sons at the FDR Monument. Opposite page: The author’s sons enjoy an ice cream treat at the National Mall.
A Capital Adventure
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With many historical venues and lots of walking required, a trip to Washington, D.C., seemed risky. Turns out, it’s a great place to take young kids. By Judy Koutsky
M
ost people think of Washington, D.C., as the quintessential eighth-grade graduation trip. The kids are old enough to understand (some, if not all) of the history, and with all the walking involved, they have the stamina for truly exploring the region. But last spring, when my boys were 6 and 8, in kindergarten and second grades, we thought perhaps a trip to our nation’s capital wasn’t a bad idea, especially given the tumultuous political election we’d just lived through. Could a trip there be educational and fun for two high-energy, short-attention-span kids? We decided to find out. We stayed at the River Inn, in large part because it’s affordable and centrally located: It’s near Georgetown, the Metro, and a mile away from the National Mall. Plus, the property has kitchens in all rooms and there’s a giant Whole Foods five minutes away (where we went daily). The staff at the hotel was extremely friendly and super knowledgeable; I was constantly asking their opinion on where to go and when. It’s not a fancy property, but for my family of four, it was a good fit. Turns out many people from the Northeast (and from our town) were in D.C. for spring break. Each family we talked to toured our
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nation’s capital in a different way. Some did only one activity each day or focused on one area during their stay. We are a full-speedahead family, and so we make the most of every visit, which often means packing in as much as possible. Here’s what we did during our four-day trip to our nation’s capital.
The International Spy Museum
Even before heading to D.C., I had heard of this museum. It’s one of the few for which you have to pay to get in (it’s not a Smithsonian) and the $20 ticket price (for adults; kids are cheaper) can be tough to swallow for a family. Despite the price, the lines are long, a sure tip-off that this museum is popular. While much of it was above my kids’ heads (the idea of government spies was fictional in their mind), my younger son said this was his favorite museum of all that we visited.
The Newseum
This was hands-down my favorite. Like the spy museum, you have to pay to get in, but it was not super crowded. A highlight of the six-floor Newseum was the exhibit about the Berlin Wall, featuring
The National Zoo
The star attraction here is the pandas, and they were well worth the line to see. The zoo is free since it’s part of the Smithsonian, and there’s not a line to get in, just to see the pandas, which is also free. Both of my kids loved seeing these cuddly, cute creatures, and we spent a chunk of time simply watching them. The zoo is a good way to take a break from all the history and science museums.
National Air and Space Museum
This is the most-visited museum in Washington, D.C., and for good reason. We spent several hours taking in the various aircraft and space exhibits, plus we saw an IMAX movie. The kids loved this museum (and the IMAX); it’s well worth a full afternoon or day.
National Museum of Natural History
We saw another IMAX movie here and also spent time at the must-sees: the Hope Diamond and plenty of dinosaurs and mammals from around the world. For younger kids, make sure to take them to the Butterfly Pavilion, the O. Orkin Insect Zoo, and Q?rius, the hands-on lab that has a dedicated junior section for those ages 10 and younger. Also, Objects of Wonder focuses on a bunch of weird stuff that kids find fascinating, such as a hunk of whale earwax.
Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Even though we walked nearly 20,000 steps a day (it was fun to watch the numbers climb on our Fitbits!), having the option to jump on the bus and rest for a while was great. Also, I really appreciated the narrative on the bus. Everyone gets a set of headphones and sets the dial to their language preference. We took the bus to the zoo, to Arlington National Cemetery, around the National Mall and Tidal Basin, and toured much of D.C. that way.
Monuments and Memorials
The weather in D.C. the week we went was beautiful and perfect for walking. We visited many memorials—Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin Delano Roosevelt— and this was one of my favorite things we did. Simply being outside in such a beautiful setting and surrounded by inspirational quotes from great leaders appealed to and inspirited each of us.
Firefly Restaurant
Most of our dining while in Washington, D.C., was on-the-go. Truth be told, my kids are not great at sitting down for long periods of time, but I wanted to try Firefly since I had heard that it’s built around a large indoor tree, which sits in the middle of the room, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and comfort food. Verdict: The pot roast is divine, definitely a favorite dish. Ingeniously, they give all children cookies to decorate as soon as they sit down. My boys took the project seriously and gave serious thought to where they were putting the sprinkles and chocolate chips. No iPads were needed to entertain them, and I was able to have adult conversation while the boys were preoccupied. Then when the food arrived, our waiter took the cookies away to be baked and brought them back for dessert. My kids thought this was the best restaurant ever! Turns out, there is plenty to do and see in Washington, D.C., for young kids. We enjoyed our visit so much, we are thinking about coming back next year. Judy Koutsky is a Westchester-based writer who writes often about travel, parenting, health, and lifestyle.
Judy Koutsky
an actual piece of the wall; my kids were fascinated by the idea that a city could be walled in and people were not free to leave. We also saw Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, and the exhibit about Civil Rights was especially interesting to my kids. I feel like we all got an education from this museum.
Arlington National Cemetery
While some families avoid this stop, we thought it was an important one to visit. We went straight to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guard. My kids found this very fascinating: The guards change every 30 minutes. Then we slowly walked back and talked about soldiers and war at the level that was appropriate for them. Kids today know about these topics—how can they not, with what’s in the news every day?—and discussing it with them in a way they understand allowed them to ask questions and created an open dialogue.
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
My kids love sports; me, not so much. But even I got into the energy of a Nationals game. The crowd was so energetic that it was simply contagious. Plus, there are playgrounds on-site for kids who can’t sit still for hours. Before hitting the game, we stopped at a Shake Shack across the street from the park and feasted on burgers, fries, and shakes. Due to the location of the restaurant, pretty much everyone was going to the game, so the excitement started even before we entered the ball field. We went to an evening game, and it was a great way to spend a warm night, after walking all day. LongIslandParent 23
Christina Vercelletto
A view of Niagara Falls
I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls ››
A mother-daughter weekend in Niagara Falls felt like a preposterous idea. So I tried it, and here are the seven surprises I got. By Christina Vercelletto
I
f you have a child between the ages of 12 and 15, you’re often confused. They change friends, their taste in clothes, their favorite foods—sometimes overnight. They’re with you physically, but their minds and spirits definitely are not, as they look down at their phones for hours on end. Some days, nothing you do, or offer to do, is right. My 14-year-old daughter, Amelia, a good kid by any definition, jumps out of the car before I’ve even come to a complete stop at the home of her BFF of the week, and doesn’t look back. She stiffens a little when I hug her, remarking, “Mom, you’re like really close to my face right now.” Together time is now largely limited to mani-pedis—if she can bring a friend. That’s why a mother-daughter long weekend seemed like it might be tough to pull off without tears (on her part or mine) before the end of it. But a long weekend to Niagara Falls, that classic vacation destination where her grandma honeymooned
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
circa 1960? And without a friend in tow? I like a challenge, so I convinced her to go. (Fine, I pointed out we’d need mani-pedis for the trip). Here are the seven discoveries we made: We can agree on something. The flight from JFK was only about an hour, less time than many of us spend commuting to work. On the other end, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is as easy to get through as my garage. Maybe easier. There was no line (not one person!) in security, and it looked unusually clean for an airport. Or, at least, if you had a toddler who put a pretzel bit found on the floor in his mouth, you wouldn’t consider calling 911, as you may at LaGuardia. Amelia marveled, “This isn’t even like an airport…” I couldn’t agree more, I said. I felt hopeful.
She’s not beyond noticing when I’m not nearby. At Sheraton at the Falls, the pool area has two tropical aquariums. If you upgrade to a club-level room, well worth the splurge, you get free breakfast, hot food and all, so there is minimal morning rushing. And then at 5pm, they have gratis beer and wine and hearty snacks laid out, conveniently in a lovely glass-enclosed space right next to the pool. So there I sat, with my pinot noir, waving to Amelia when she looked up to see where I was. Wait! Did she just look around to see where I was? I’m still allowed to help her. Yes, it’s kitschy, and been around forever, but we donned the garbage bags they hand out as ponchos and boarded Maid of the Mist. How wet could we get, I wondered? I’ll just say this: If you go to Cave of the Winds first, keep the foam sandals they give you. This boat ride gives you a perspective you really can’t get any other way. When we got off, we looked like two madwomen, our hair wet yet somehow still windblown, and black mascara streaks running down our cheeks, donned in foam sandals and bright blue trash bags. We laughed. “Can you get my face?” she asked. I wiped her cheeks with a tissue. She did not say I was too close to her face. My utensils are not necessarily contaminated. When we arrived at Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard in nearby Lewiston, which we were told has the custard to end all custard, Amelia tried the thick soft serve in cookies and cream. I got black raspberry. We ate our treats at picnic tables. She tried mine, off of my spoon, without saying “Ew, no…” She knows better than me sometimes. I’m the one who climbs the 377 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, then, frozen in fear, tells everyone I’ll meet them back down in the lobby. I didn’t share Amelia’s enthusiasm about a Rainbow Air helicopter ride over the Falls. But she cajoled me, saying it would be fine, and what could happen when they do 40 rides a day, and she would hold my hand if she “really had to.” The floor was see-through. So unless I closed my eyes the whole time, there was no way to avoid seeing that I was really, really, really high up. I resolved not to let my 14-year-old daughter, who was giddy with excitement, see me close my eyes. And it was awesome.
Christina and Amelia Vercelletto prepare for a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls.
Somehow, it didn’t bother me as much as I anticipated, though admittedly I avoided looking down at the floor. I just told myself I was on a plane, which somehow doesn’t bother me. Taking in the amazing views knowing I would only be able to see them for five minutes of my life distracted me from my distance from the Earth. She’s not too old for the Rainforest Café. Who else remembers this place? They had a few around here years ago. It’s fun, what with the indoor thunderstorms and animatronic tigers and all, but it’s definitely a place for kids. Something Amelia has been insisting she no longer is for a good two years now. But it was getting late, we were hungry, and the Rainforest Café is attached to the lobby of Sheraton at the Falls. You don’t even have to go outside. Turned out, she loved it. We shared a monstrous plate of nachos we barely put a dent in, and then she dug into pasta with veggies. I had a surprisingly good steak. Surprisingly because, well, steak at a kid’s place seemed dicey. But the gamble paid off. Seeing her sip raspberry lemonade from a plastic kid’s cup made my night. A little bit of the paranormal makes history cool. At my insistence, we hit a bounty of historic (read: educational) attractions just outside of Niagara Falls. The first was the NYPA Niagara Power Vista in Lewiston, with sophisticated, teenfriendly exhibits that made all that science information relatable to their day-to-day lives. Amelia didn’t emerge a hydropower genius, but she loved the motion simulator ride that replicates the journey of a single drop of water as it turns into energy. The ride sprays mist all over you, perchance we didn’t have enough back at the Falls. Go to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown before or after the Power Vista, since they are only 10 minutes apart. At the fort, we explored the very same buildings that were occupied by NativeAmerican, French, British, and American soldiers in the 18th century, and got a feel for what life at the fort was like with reenactments by blacksmiths, coopers, and bakers. Our tour guide told us the story of a local newspaper reporter who wanted to stay overnight in one of the buildings that was reputed to be haunted. He barely lasted two hours. An episode of the erstwhile Syfy series Ghost Hunters had been filmed here. Amelia and I used to love that show—but when she got to be 12, she became lots less interested in watching TV with mom than staring at YouTube. The next day, we ventured underground at the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride. As part of the 70-minute guided tour, you walk through a misty water tunnel that was blasted out of solid rock, and examine artifacts left behind by the Irish immigrants who did the work in the early days of the Erie Canal. Our tour guide, who was quite the character, informed us that if water drips on your head, it’s a year of good luck. Well, our tour group now has enough luck for our children’s children. I don’t think it’s going too far to bring an umbrella. The boat ride is a damp proposition, too. (Clearly, there is no eluding water in these parts.) A zip line across the canal is coming soon, they told us. And—what are the odds!—this tunnel was also the site of a Ghost Hunters episode. When we got back to our room that night, Amelia and I stayed up and streamed the episodes. Just like the good old days. Christina Vercelletto is a travel writer and a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.
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OUTINGS: Pleasantville, Westchester
nymetroparents.com/outings
5 Reasons We Love Pleasantville
Nature, film, and charm just a drive from Nassau County. ›› By Kathryn Sheridan 2 Courtesy Jacob Burns Film Center
Courtesy Pleasantville Farmers Market
3 Courtesy New York State Parks
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1 Jacob Burns Film Center offers a variety of indie, foreign, and documentary film screenings. 2 The Pleasantville Farmers Market often offers live music and entertainment for kids, such as Marco the Magician. 3 The Rockefeller State Park Preserve consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land as well as Swan Lake.
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he appropriately named village of Pleasantville in Westchester County has all the charm of a small community while boasting the benefits that come from being a train ride away from Manhattan. Pleasantville is familiar worldwide to the subscribers of Reader’s Digest, which made the village its headquarters and maintains a presence there. The village was noted in GQ ’s list of “Top Ten Best Smelling Cities in the World.” They write, “If Norman Rockwell’s paintings emitted a scent, this is what it would be.” Here are the five reasons we love Pleasantville.
A Movie-Buff’s Haven
Credited with putting Pleasantville on the cultural map, the nonprofit Jacob Burns Film Center draws moviegoers in for screenings of indie, foreign, and documentary films. Film industry powerhouses such as George Clooney, Woody Allen, Robert Redford, and Stephen King have made guest appearances and speeches at the landmark theater. Programs and classes are offered for kids and adults of all ages to learn about film, storytelling, and production.
Fresh Produce Year-Round
Since 1998, the Pleasantville Farmers Market has provided year-round access to healthy, locally grown food. Today, it is the largest farmers market in Westchester County with more than 55 vendors and it attracts upwards of 2,500 people each week. Weekly vendors are posted on its website along with an interactive map so visitors can locate and learn more about them. Through Nov. 18 the market is located next to the Metro-North station at Memorial Plaza on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm. Most weeks May-October the outdoor market features live music and events for kids, as well as health and culinary events. During the winter, Dec. 2-March 24, 2018, the market is housed in the local middle school on Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
The Preservation of Nature
Offering hiking trails, fishing, and panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a favorite outdoor destination of Pleasantville residents. The park consists of more than 1,000 acres of picturesque land donated by the Rockefeller family. The system of carriage roads created by John D. Rockefeller, a horse-lover, remain in use in the park. In the fall guests can enjoy peak fall foliage and in the spring visitors can view the Peony Monument’s 425 tree peonies in bloom next to the Rockefeller Art Gallery, which has rotating exhibits of two-dimensional arts.
Indie Literature Lovers
Located just around the corner from the Pleasantville Metro-North station, the Village Bookstore is an old-fashioned wonderland of good reads. The store also hosts author readings and poetry contests. Its most famous customers might be Bill and Hillary Clinton, who live in nearby Chappaqua and adopted the store after their local bookstore closed.
The Live Music Scene
Every year on a Saturday in July, thousands flock to the village for the Pleasantville Music Festival. The all-day event features a mix of established musicians and bands and newcomers on two stages. Families can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a day of live rock and blues tunes during the next festival, July 14, 2018.
Want to Go?
Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Garden City For more information: nymetroparents.com/pleasantville
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on ‘A Garfield Christmas’ (No. 6 on our list).
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DECEMBER CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
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Show Time!, Smarty Pants
WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?
nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar
EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com
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Animal Lovers
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Crafty Kids
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Little Foodies, Once Upon a Time, Must-Sees in NYC
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Holiday Fun
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Mini Musicians, Dance Party
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Movers & Shakers, Special Needs
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
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Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker Ballet’
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The Chocolate Expo
WHEN: Dec. 1-3, Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 4pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: This magical extravaganza is a must for everyone! International ballet stars are joined by gifted young dancers from all over the metropolitan area, and the South Shore Symphony will brilliantly bring to life the composer’s extraordinary music. WHY WE LOVE IT: This production is the only one on Long Island that features a full symphonic orchestra. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am-7pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: The Chocolate Expo gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy tastings and sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses, and more from more than 90 local, regional, and international vendors. Kids can enjoy free facepainting and balloon twisting, along with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s New York and America’s largest chocolate event! WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.
‘Pinkalicious’
Holiday Chocolate Candy House or Cookie Baking
WHEN: Dec. 2-3, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast! WHY WE LOVE IT: It teaches kids about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Celebrations In the Kitchen, 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This very special, hands-on decorating event will have you creating your very own candy house to display on your family’s table this season. WHY WE LOVE IT: The holidays are so much more festive with cookies made with your very own hands! WANT TO GO? $39.95-$49.95. 516 396-2193. celebrationsinthekitchen.com.
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Cirque Musica Holiday Presents ‘BELIEVE’
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Cirque Musica is a concert and visual experience during which audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy your favorite holiday songs with stunning acrobatic visuals. WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 800-745-3000. nycblive.com.
‘A Garfield Christmas’
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 12pm and 4:30pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Sing-along as Garfield’s new friends, including Nutcracker, Rag Doll, Teddy Bear, and even Angel from the top of the Christmas, tree all work together to bring light to Garfield’s Christmas. WHY WE LOVE IT: We can’t stop laughing as the coffee-guzzling, naptaking, lasagna-loving fat cat Garfield decks the halls with boughs of folly! WANT TO GO? $19 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.
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‘Frosty the Snowman’
WHEN: Dec. 2-30, Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11:30am WHERE: BroadHollow at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Frosty and his friend, Jenny, must save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot’s evil plan to melt all the snow. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids learn that it’s wonderful when good triumphs over evil. Let it snow! WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.
‘Happy As Clams: The Musical’
WHEN: Dec. 12-31, Tuesday-Friday, see website for times WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Clammy and her best friend Grabby the fiddler crab, learn about creating friendships when they befriend a love-struck fluke, float with a jelly, and stumble upon a hungry sea star. WHY WE LOVE IT: This popular show gets everyone singing, dancing, and clamoring for more (while sneaking in some local environmental science and geography). WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
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Magic of Lights
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: 5-10pm WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Jones Beach will shine bright as guests weave through the spectacular 2½-mile drive through holiday lights display. Digital animations, including the 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and The Night Before Christmas, will have families amazed at the spectacular display. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will experience the thrill of Magic of Lights from their cars as they wind through its course in one of New York’s most beautiful natural settings. WANT TO GO? $20-$30. 516-221-1000. magicoflights.com/jonesbeach.
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Gingerbread House Contest & Bake Sale FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4pm WHERE: Pagan-Fletcher Restoration, 143 Hendrickson Ave., Valley Stream AGES: All WHAT: Vote for your favorite house and watch an icing demonstration at 2pm. WANT TO GO? 516-872-4159. vsvny.org.
Meet Santa in Person FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Monday-Friday, 1-4pm and 5-8pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-1pm and 2-6pm WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Meet Santa and don’t forget to bring your camera. WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.
Santaland FREE
WHEN: Nov. 24-Dec. 24, daily, see website for store hours WHERE: Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., 8th Floor, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will wander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village filled with holiday treasures, the biggest of which is Santa Claus himself. After meeting Santa, guests can buy a photo package. Visits are by reservations only this year. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland.
Holiday Open House FREE
WHEN: Dec. 26-28, Tuesday-Thursday, 12-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Warm up by the fireplaces of the decorated Adriance Farmhouse at this celebrated annual event. Take a tour of this historic landmark building and enjoy seasonal kids’ crafts and hot mulled cider throughout the afternoon. WANT TO GO? 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.
Animated Musical Double Feature FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 29, 1-5pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a year-end animated musical double feature of Moana and Sing. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org. ››
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Ace Comic Con Long Island
WHEN: Dec. 8-10, Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Expect to see celebrities in an arena setting, along with multistaged live-streamed programming panels, professional illustrators, a Kids Comic Con with master workshops, virtual reality installations, and more. WANT TO GO? $45 and up. 800-745-3000. nycblive.com.
Madison Theatre Christmas Celebration
WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: This Christmas spectacular will have you singing along to your favorite holiday classics featuring Broadway’s own performers and designers. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.
‘Scrooge’
WHEN: Dec. 17-23, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: Follow miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the true spirit of the holidays. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.
SHOW TIME! ‘The Colors of Christmas’
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 6pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Experience the harmony and joy of the Christmas season and bring the message of good will and peace on Earth. WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.
Barry Manilow: A Very Barry Christmas
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Pop music icon Barry Manilow will perform his A Very Barry Christmas show. WANT TO GO? $28 and up. 800-745-3000. nycblive.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 7pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Back by popular demand, Stu Whalen presents a dramatic oneman performance of this holiday classic. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Johnny Mathis Christmas Concert 2017
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Best-known for his supremely popular hits such as “Chances Are, It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty,” Mathis has recorded more than 80 albums, including six Christmas albums. WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 800-745-3000. tillescenter.org. 30
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
‘A Christmas Carol’
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas—past, present and future. WANT TO GO? $35; $28 children ages 13-17; $20 children ages 5-12. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! On Stage’
WHEN: Dec. 28-30, Thursday, 4pm; Friday, 2pm and 6pm; Saturday, 11am, 2pm, and 6pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang as they mount a play, save a tree, and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. WANT TO GO? $45 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.
‘Once Upon a Snowflake’
WHEN: Dec. 27-31, Wednesday-Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join the adventures of Sarah as the snowman she builds comes to life in a wonderful winter season. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.
SMARTY PANTS Sunday Science: Pollution Solution
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Using only the materials provided, kids will design and test their plan to clean our “contaminated” water. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.
Lego Club FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 4pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Build and design using Legos. Bring your imagination and share your ideas during this creative session filled with challenges and unstructured time to plan and collaborate. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Admissions Open House FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 9:30-11am WHERE: Portledge School, 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley AGES: All WHAT: Join in for an information session and tour of the 60-acre campus. Head of School Simon Owen-Williams, as well as division heads and current students, will be on hand to share their perspectives. WANT TO GO? 516-750-3200. portledge.org.
Hello Hangeul
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 12:30-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Get an introduction to the art of calligraphy using a brush and ink. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
Family Science Game Night
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30-9pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Join us for our first-ever Family Science Game Night. Let your science lover show off their knowledge in a fun and exciting way. WANT TO GO? $7. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.
Sunday Science: Siege the Castle
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create catapults with some simple physics and engineering. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.
Poetry Workshop with Dr. Opyr FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 21, 4pm WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to write poetry and share what they’ve written. Bring paper and a pen and the desire to expand your knowledge and enjoyment of writing good poems. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.
Soohorang & Bandabi
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join us as we make “masks” in the shape of the mascots in 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea: Soohorang (white tiger) and Bandabi (black bear). WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245828. licm.org.
Trinkets, Treasures, and Trade FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: This exhibit comprises an array of 17th- and 18th-century European and native houshold, personal, and trade items and tools. These objects describe aspects of colonial and native life in early New York. WANT TO GO? 516-239-1157. toh.li.
Heart & Seoul: Growing Up in Korea
WHEN: Through Jan. 7, 2018: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The growing popularity of all things Korean, from fashion and film to music and cuisine, called “Hallyu” (the Korean Wave) is on view. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
ANIMAL LOVERS Scales, Feathers, and Fur
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 10am-12pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the reasons behind scales, feathers, and fur. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.
Winter Owl Prowl
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 4-5pm and 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: A wildlife expert brings live owls for a meet and greet and leads an outdoor search. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Petland Animal Show FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 7-7:45pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: An exciting and educational live animal show that gives children and adults the opportunity to see some common, as well as not so common pets up close, and learn about them. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Green Teens: Arctic Adaptations
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 1-3pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Come make some hands-on discoveries as you learn how polar bears and other Arctic animals have adapted to their surroundings. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors, free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org. ›› LongIslandParent 31
Snow Globe Wonderland
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A sprinkle of creativity and a dash of imagination are all you need to design and create your own winter wonderland snow globe. WANT TO GO? $6. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
DIY Wednesday: Ugly Sweater Party FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:15-7:15pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Bring a sweater or any shirt you would like to decorate and the rest of the supplies will be provided. Listen to music and have a snack. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Celebrate with Candles
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join us for a special workshop as we roll and decorate our own beeswax candles for the holidays we celebrate. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Just Kickin’ It
CRAFTY KIDS Kids Holiday Centerpiece Presented by Paumanacke Garden Club FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10-10:45am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Kids in kindergarten-fifth grades can learn to make a holiday-themed floral arrangement. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Kids Workshop FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids learn to build or create a useful, fun product. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.
Hanbok Village
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The hanbok is the traditional clothing of South Korea, and it is known for its bright colors and beautiful designs. Stop by our traveling exhibit to try on this special clothing, and then come upstairs to design a miniature hanbok using origami. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. 32
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Design your own soccer player, complete with miniature soccer ball for a game of finger soccer. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
Winter Wonderland Studio
WHEN: Dec. 26-29, Tuesday-Friday, 10-11:30am and 12:30-2pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make sparkle slime, create teeny tiny sparkly glascine art and wintry fairy folk, paint and build, experiment with ice and snow, make blizzard bottles, and other fun wintery projects. WANT TO GO? $24; $18 siblings. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.
Kelly Cunningham Art Exhibit and Opening Reception FREE
WHEN: Dec. 2-30, daily, 2-4pm WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop, 299 Main St., Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Long Island Artist Kelly Cunningham communicates the beauty of animals and the ocean through form and color. WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.
GingerBread Lane 2017 Workshop
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturday-Sunday, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Each participant will receive a kit to design a train, boat, or car with all of the materials that Chef Jon Lovitch uses to create his GingerBread Lane exhibit: gingerbread pieces, icing, and candy. WANT TO GO? $15 per project. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Crafts For Kids FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts they can use or display. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.
Holiday Hors d’oeuvres FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7pm WHERE: Hempstead Public Library, 115 Nichols Court, Hempstead AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn how to make goat cheese bruschetta crostinis and pretzel pigs in a blanket ready for the oven. WANT TO GO? 516-481-6990. hempsteadlibrary.info.
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C Courtesy Macy’s / Kent Miller
LITTLE FOODIES
Swirl, Flower and Leaf Cake Decorating Class
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join Chef Mary to learn how to make swirl, flower, and leaf designs. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Winter Holiday Magic
ONCE UPON A TIME Kelly McMasters Book Launch FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30-8pm WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop, 299 Main St., Port Washington AGES: Adult WHAT: Join Kelly McMasters and Beth Ain in conversation to celebrate the publication of This is the Place: Women Writing About Home. WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.
Meet Santa Claus at Macy’s Herald Square!
Meet Santa! Ho! Ho! Ho! He’s here! An annual tradition for so many families, visiting Macy’s Santaland at the Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square means entering a fantasy world of glittering pine trees, snow-capped mountains, twinkling lights, festive trains running along their tracks, cuddly animals, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The 13,000-square-foot Christmas Village is filled with holiday treasures, the biggest of which is Santa Claus himself. After meeting Santa, each child will receive a small keepsake from him. Professional photos will be available for purchase (optional), with packages starting at $20.99. This year, visits are by online reservation only. Nov. 24-Dec. 24, see website for store hours. Age: All. FREE. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., 8th floor, Midtown. 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland.
‘Felicity’s Surprise: A Christmas Story’
Meg Banks
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7, 6pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children are invited to listen to the story of American Girl Felicity. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-239-1157. toh.li.
Alexis Buatti-Ramos
WHEN: Dec. 21-23, Thursday-Friday, 5-7pm; Saturday, 11am-1pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Make a gingerbread house and bake and decorate sugar cookies to take home, or make a personal pizza and edible spinning dreidel. WANT TO GO? $49.50. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.
Ebenezer Scrooge Visits Rock Hall
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 5pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: Visit with Ebenezer Scrooge and discover the meaning of Christmas. He will tell the story of his change from a hard-hearted miser to a kind-hearted man. WANT TO GO? $10. 516-239-1157. toh.li.
PJ Storytime FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7-7:30pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Miss Kelly for stories, a short film, and a snack. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Read To A Dog FREE
WHEN: Dec. 14-21, Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: North Hills Library, 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can select a book to read to Jami, a therapy pet partner. WANT TO GO? 718-225-3550. queenslibrary.org. ››
Catch an exciting, kid-friendly show with master of illusion Jason Bishop.
Magic Man The kid-friendly master of illusion, Jason Bishop, will magically make it snow, perform a disappearing act onstage, and execute an incredible appearance in the audience during his amazing Believe in Magic performances happening all month at The New Victory Theater in Midtown. Last season, Bishop had a sold-out run. This season, he’s sure to deliver once again in time to celebrate the new year. Prepare to see his talented assistant, Kim Hess, and his canine companion, Gizmo, perform impressive acts as well. Dec. 1-30, see website for showtimes. Age: 6 and older. $20 and up. The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown. newvictory.org. LongIslandParent 33
Annual Kwanzaa Celebration FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 20, 4pm WHERE: Hempstead Town Hall - Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, 1 Washington St., Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Bring family and friends to the 16th annual Kwanzaa celebration featuring speakers and musicians while honoring local community leaders. WANT TO GO? 516-489-5000 x4304. toh.li.
Old Bethpage Candlelight Eve and Craft Show
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 22, 5pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Candlelight Evenings transform the rustic landscape of Old Bethpage Village Restoration into a magical appearance with the village’s historic homes illuminated by candles and holiday decorations. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors and children ages 5-12; free for children 4 and younger. 631-488-0521.
Santa at Roosevelt Field FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: daily, 10am-9:30pm WHERE: Roosevelt Field Mall, 63 Old Country Road, Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children can stop by to whisper their wish list, then have their magical moment with Santa captured forever with keepsake photos. WANT TO GO? 516-742-8001. simon.com.
Kwanzaa Celebration
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Get hands-on as we learn about the rich traditions and the meaning behind Kwanzaa, and make your own crafts to join in the festive fun. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
HOLIDAY FUN
Celebrate Hanukkah with Port Jewish Center FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:30am WHERE: The Dolphin Bookshop, 299 Main St., Port Washington AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf from the Port Jewish Center as she leads story time and a craft. WANT TO GO? 516-767-2650. thedolphinbookshop.com.
13th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 6pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Experience Planting Fields Arboretum in the winter with the 35-foot Japanese Umbrella Pine lit by Santa, and enjoy the Twin Shores Chorus as they sing holiday carols. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8688. plantingfields.org.
Christmas Wreathmaking
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Create a stunning wreath in the Old Westbury Gardens style. WANT TO GO? $50. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
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Christmas at Westbury House
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Friday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Make a visit to Westbury House part of your holiday tradition. With decorated period rooms, Santa, cookies, and cider, this holiday celebration is a must for the entire family. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Countdown to 12: A Dino-Mite 2018
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 12-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate the new year with LICM and party like a dinosaur. Dig into fun activities, stomp at an extreme dance party, and have end-of-the-year fun. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors, free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
GingerBread Lane
WHEN: Through Jan. 14, 2018: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy. GingerBread Lane has won the Guinness World Record for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 for the largest gingerbread village. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors, students, and children. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
WHAT: These two Port Washington musicians team up for a spectacular jazz concert featuring original arrangements of favorite holiday classics. WANT TO GO? $45. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.
Tony Danza: Standards and Stories
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 21, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza is accompanied by his talented four-piece band. WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.
MINI
MUSICIANS Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The Grammy-nominated platinum-selling saxophonist and friends will play fresh renditions of Christmas classics as well as a Hanukkah medley and other hits. WANT TO GO? $48 and up. 800-745-3000. tillescenter.org.
Christmas Concert FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 7pm WHERE: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow, 369 Green Ave., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: The Choir of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church will present its annual Christmas Concert featuring a program of Orthodox and Western hymns and carols. WANT TO GO? 516-483-3649. htocem.org.
Long Island Flute Club Holiday Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 1pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: The performance features holiday favorites in the Red Ballroom. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.
Sirena Huang and Bela Horvath, Violins
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3, 3pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: An afternoon of brilliant music for two violins, accompanied by string ensemble. Program to include works by Vivaldi and Bach. WANT TO GO? $46. 800-745-3000. tillescenter.org.
Snowy Day Sing-Alongs
WHEN: Dec. 26-29, Tuesday-Friday, 10:15am-12pm WHERE: Not Just Art, 183 South St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: A fun music and movement activity for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with an adult. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 siblings; free for siblings younger than 9 months. 516-922-8300. notjustart.com.
DANCE PARTY Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre ‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: Hofstra University, 102B Adams Playhouse, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Ohman’s The Nutcracker brings joy to young and old alike as the only one on Long Island performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s George Balanchine. Special guest stars: New York City Ballet’s Daniel Ulbricht and Brittany Pollack, performing Cavalier and Sugarplum Fairy. WANT TO GO? $42; $32 seniors and children. 631-462-0964. ohmanballet.org.
Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker
WHEN: Dec. 16-17, Saturday, 1pm; Sunday, 4:30pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: The annual holiday classic returns, featuring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed by the Massapequa Philharmonic, conducted by David Bernard. WANT TO GO? $48 and up. 800-745-3000. tillescenter.org.
Carol of the King: ‘The Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular’
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Featuring 20 of the world’s most skilled Irish dancers and musicians, Carol of the King brings an original inspiring Christmas story of love and salvation to life. WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org. ››
Baby Jam FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2-2:45pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Sing, shake, and move along to the beat with your baby or toddler in BabyJam music and movement classes, led by Miss Andrea on guitar. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.
Sessions in Hempstead House: Solomon Hoffman & Bobby Katz WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, 8pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older
LongIslandParent 35
Harlem Globetrotters
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 28, 1pm and 6pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats. WANT TO GO? $21 and up. 516-231-4848. harlemglobetrotters.com.
Gettin’ Jegi With It!
WHEN: Dec. 9-29, Saturday and Friday, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Jegichagi (Korean hacky sack) is an outdoor game in which players try to keep a weighted paper sack (jegi) aloft. Create a jegi and practice your skills. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
December MINI-CAMP
WHEN: Dec. 27-29, Wednesday-Friday, 10am-2pm WHERE: M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Play with us during break with daily themes, activities, and lunch. WANT TO GO? $50 per day. 516-496-7765. matsskidsgym.com.
MOVERS & SHAKERS SPECIAL NEEDS The Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10am WHERE: Hofstra University North Campus, 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Participants wear their favorite holiday costumes or ugly sweaters and tie bells to their shoes creating a chorus of jingles through the 5K course. WANT TO GO? $35; $20 Kids’ Run. 631-427-8272. jbr.org/longisland.
Serve, Spin, Smash
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 1pm and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn how to master a serve with New York Table Tennis. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.
Long Island Nets vs. Salt Lake City Stars (Jewish Heritage Night)
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 14, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Help the Long Island Nets celebrate Jewish Heritage Night. WANT TO GO? $18-$40. 800-745-3000. longisland.gleague.nba.com.
Mommy & Me Tot Shabbat
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Fridays, 11:15am-12pm WHERE: Chabad of Port Washington, 80 Shore Road, Port Washington AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Each session includes music, movement, Challah-braiding, and fun. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-767-8672. chabadpw.org.
Open Bounce
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Thursdays, 4:15pm WHERE: BounceU, 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Sessions include music, games, and time on the inflatable toys. Parents must remain on premises. WANT TO GO? $12.95. 631-777-5867. bounceu.com. 36
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Creative Expeditions
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10-11:15am WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families of children with special needs will engage in interactive gallery experiences, followed by hands-on art activities. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.
Art Compass: Building Social and Vocational Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism
WHEN: Through Dec. 12: Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Based on current exhibitions in the galleries, these workshops will encourage participants to explore different methods of art making. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.
After School in the Arts
WHEN: Through June 14, 2018: Wednesday-Thursday, 4pm and 5pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: All WHAT: Classes are small in size, and taught by passionate, talented, certified teachers. Each student receives individual attention and also has a 1-on-1 buddy. WANT TO GO? $20 per class. 516-432-0200. tapany.org.
Coming up next month: JAN. 11-14, 2018: Disney On Ice Presents Reach For The Stars at NYCB Live, home of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale JAN. 12, 2018: Candid Camera’s 8 Decades of Smiles With Peter Funt at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury JAN. 28-29, 2018: Yamato - The Drummers of Japan at Tilles Center, Brookville
Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?
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LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH
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SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM
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Feb 3rd – April 28th for students entering grades K-8
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Submit your entries online to
NYMetroParents.com/submitevent All entries subject to editor’s review and acceptance.
Announce it to more than 100,000 parents who are visiting NYMetroParents.com every month. Be featured on the largest family activities Calendar in the metropolitan New York area.
Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?
INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAM
LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall
program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th. The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands
students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.
For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.
LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director
LongIslandParent 37
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
››
Research by Melissa Wickes
Bring holiday cheer and family bonding from the farm to your home by cutting your own Christmas tree this winter. Head to a local tree farm and spend a few fun hours seeking out your family’s perfect tree, then cut it yourself. You can also load up on some festive wreaths, garlands, and baked goods to make the holiday merry and bright! As always, call ahead of time to confirm hours and tree availability before planning your adventure.
Elwood Pumpkin Farm 1500 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-368-8626; elwoodpumpkinfarm. com/elwood-christmas-tree-farm Nov. 23-Dec. 24, weekdays, 3pm-dusk, and weekends, 10am-dusk. Pre-cut tree lot is open every day until 7pm. Bring your own saw to cut your tree. Staff will help you tie your tree to your car (no charge). Grandpa Tony’s Tree Farm 305 Weeks Ave., Manorville 516-639-3587 Nov. 27-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Call to schedule an appointment. Matt’s Christmas Tree Farm 309 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-6260 mattschristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec 24, Wednesday-Monday, 8am-4:30pm. More than 10,000 trees 38
ranging from 2-foot table toppers to 10foot ceiling scrapers. Bow saws and netting available. Trailer rides back from the field. Loading and tying assistance provided. Candy canes available for kids. Leashed dogs welcome. Potted trees also available. Mike’s Christmas Tree Farm 323 Weeks Ave., Manorville 631-874-3551 mikeschristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec. 24, daily, 8am-4:30pm. Fresh wreaths also available. Tree wrapping and saws provided. Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm 30105 Main Road, Cutchogue 631-734-8641 santaschristmastreefarm.com Thanksgiving weekend through December (until inventory sells out), daily, 9am6pm; call to check availability. Tools and
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
assistance provided. Santa appearances on weekends. Christmas shop on premises. Tree shaker and free saws available; no chainsaws allowed. Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck 631-298-4619 or 631-298-4118 shamrockchristmastreefarm.com Nov. 24-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm. Tools and assistance provided. Pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides (weather permitting) and a fire pit to enjoy while you’re waiting for your ride. Ornaments, nutcrackers, tree toppers, and more available in the gift shop. No pets allowed.
Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/xmastrees
WHERE-TO GUIDE
nymetroparents.com/where-to
Kid-Friendly Museums
›› Research by Barbara Russo
Rod Leonhard
Dig up dirt on extinct species, go back in time with a history lesson, and immerse yourself in another culture without leaving your own backyard—all of this is possible at local children’s museums! There’s no shortage of exciting destinations where your kids can soak up equal parts education and excitement. All of these museums have exhibits specifically geared toward the kid crowd, so no one will be disappointed when you set out on your adventure. Most destinations even have tours, so you and your kids can become experts on presidents, dinosaurs, tornados, or whatever you wish, all in a day’s admission! Hours and exhibitions are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm.
This Grumman F-11A Tiger, developed in Bethpage in 1954, hangs in the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
African American Museum 110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead 516-572-0730; theaamuseum.org Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm Admission: $5 self-guided tours. $8 docent-led tours; $10 workshop or video Art and culture collide at the African American Museum, where the mission is to educate and promote understanding and appreciation of African-American culture, art, and tradition through education, exhibitions, and workshops for the public. Cradle of Aviation Museum 1 Davis Ave. (across from Mitchel Athletic Complex), Garden City 516-572-4111; cradleofaviation.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30am-5pm Admission: $15; $13 children and seniors. Theater combo tickets: $20; $18 children and seniors.
The museum features more than 75 airand spacecrafts from hot air balloons to an actual Lunar Module, Long Island’s only giant screen theater that houses the Jet Blue Sky Theater Planetarium and the National Geographic Dome Theater, and Nunley’s Carousel. A Retro Video Game Exhibit is on exhibit through February Break 2018, featuring classic consoles from 1972-1999 and arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s. Garvies Point Museum 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove 516-571-8010; garviespointmuseum.com Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Admission: $4; $2 children ages 5-12 The museum is a center for research on Long Island geology and a valued resource in the study of local NativeAmerican archaeology. Educational programs, including archaeology, geology,
and environmental themes, are offered during and after-school hours. Jewelry workshops are offered every Wednesday. Various film screenings are held on weekdays in February; visit the website for a full schedule. Long Island Children’s Museum 11 Davis Ave., Garden City 516-224-5800; licm.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; open daily during the summer Admission: $13; $12 seniors; free for members and children ages 1 and younger The museum has nearly 15 standing galleries with exhibits and activities for young children, including ClimbIt@ LICM, a two-story climbing structure for ages 4 and older, and Sound Showers, exploration of rhythms using instruments from around the world and common everyday objects. Feasts for Beasts: Discover the amazing ways animals find and eat their food, and participate in themed activities. Plus, meet the new additions to the museum’s animal menagerie. Nassau County Museum of Art: The Art Space for Children 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor 516-484-9338; nassaumuseum.com Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4:45pm Admission: $12; $8 seniors; $4 students and children ages 4-12; free for children younger than 4 View the permanent collection of more than 500 art objects from American and European art of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Sculpture Park features more than 30 large-scale works by artists such as Botero, Serra, Valdes, and many others, sited throughout the museum’s 145-acre Gold Coast property. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/museums
Mowie Kay
FOOD & NUTRITION
Potato dumplings and potato spinach croquettes
Celebrate the Festival of Lights ››
Three international dishes to enjoy for Hanukkah By Paola Gavin “Over their two thousand years of exile, Jews migrated across the world, taking their culinary heritage and traditions with them. Wherever they went, they adapted local and regional dishes to fit their own strict dietary laws and, as a result, Jewish food today encompasses an enormous variety of cuisines and cooking styles,” Paola Gavin writes in her recently published cookbook, Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking. This Hanukkah (Dec. 12-20), why not enjoy tasty recipes with Russian, Turkish, and Italian roots?
Potato dumplings stuffed with curd cheese and chives Pampushki from Russia
Pampushki can be fried or boiled, sweet or savory. For sweet pampushki, simply omit the chives from the filling, add a tablespoon or two of sugar and the grated rind of a lemon, then serve lightly dusted with sugar. In Russia they generally fry pampushki in vegetable oil, but as I believe cooking with vegetable oils can be bad for your health, I prefer to use olive oil instead. Serves 4 1 lb. potatoes, peeled 2½ cups mashed potato Olive oil, for shallow frying For the filling: 8 oz. curd (pot or farmer’s) cheese 1 egg yolk
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
1-2 tablespoons finely chopped chives Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. To make the filling, place the curd cheese, egg yolk, and chives in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Coarsely grate the potatoes, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Place in a bowl with the mashed potato, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Form the potato mixture into balls about the size of an egg. Punch a hole in the center with your forefinger and fill with a teaspoonful of filling, then close up to seal the filling inside. Flatten slightly and shallow-fry until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Potato and spinach croquettes
Fritikas de spinaka kon patatas from Turkey
These delicious little croquettes may be served as a light main course or a side dish. Traditionally they are often prepared for Rosh Hashanah, or for Passover—in which case, matzo meal is used instead of flour. Serves 4-5 8 oz. spinach 2 lb. potatoes 2 eggs, separated Salt and freshly ground black pepper Flour or matzo meal, for dredging Olive oil, for deep-frying
1. Wash the spinach thoroughly, then cook in a covered saucepan over a moderate heat for 5 minutes or until wilted— the water clinging to the leaves is sufficient to prevent scorching. Drain well and squeeze dry, then chop finely. 2. Boil the potatoes in plenty of lightly salted water for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, peel and then force through a sieve or mash with a potato ricer. Add the spinach and egg yolks and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into balls the size of a walnut and flatten slightly, then set aside to cool. 3. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Dip the croquettes into the egg white then roll in flour. Working in batches, deep-fry the croquettes in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Get Healthy With ChiroMom · Innovative Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family
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· Prenatal & Pediatric Care EVENTS · Prenatal, Infant, ChildACTIVITIES And Adult Therapeutic Massage MORE · Nutrition & Weight Management · Specializing in treating children with ADD/ADHD 2874 Merrick Road· Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)
Apple fritters
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Fritelle di mele from Italy
These delicious apple fritters are often made for Chanukah and Tu Bi-Shevat, the Festival of the Trees. For a variation, try making them with other fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, apricots, or figs.
Bring out your child’s full potential! HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
Serves 4-6 4 tart apples 4-5 tablespoons brandy Olive oil, for deep-frying Icing (confectioners’) sugar, for dusting For the batter: 1 cup unbleached plain (all-purpose) flour Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 egg, separated 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons dry white wine 1. For the batter, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolk, olive oil, wine, and 5 tablespoons water and mix well, then gradually stir in up to another 5 tablespoons water to make a smooth batter. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, peel and core the apples and cut into rounds about ¼-inch thick. Place in a shallow bowl and pour over the brandy. Let the apples steep for 30 minutes. 3. To finish the batter, in another bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff and then gently fold into the batter. Working in batches, dip the apple rings into the batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve at once, dusted with icing sugar.
Recipes excerpted with permission from Hazana: Jewish Vegetarian Cooking by Paola Gavin, published by Quadrille October 2017, RRP $35.00 hardcover.
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nymetroparents NYCB Theatre at Westbury ›
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2017
nymetroparents The Fashion Class of Merrick ›
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nymetroparents “A Garfield Christmas” at Theatre at Westbury on Dec. 17! NYCB Theatre at Westbury 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury | 516-247-5200 | thetheatreatwestbury.com
nymetroparents What’s Cooking? ›
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nymetroparents Sewing is fabulous and fun! Creating our own clothing at The Fashion Class in Merrick. The Fashion Class of Merrick 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick | 516-246-2000 | merrick.thefashionclass.com
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nymetroparents Birthday parties, culinary classes, workshops, and more! What’s Cooking? | 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay | 516-922-2665 | whatscookingny.com
nymetroparents Village East Gifted: Academic Enrichment for the Gifted and Talented Student ›
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nymetroparents Science is curiosity. What are you excited to discover? nymetroparents Classical Conversations Inc.: Helping parents home-school Classical Conversations Inc. | Westchester, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island | 910-673-0100 | classicalconversations.com
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Village East Gifted: Academic Enrichment for the Gifted and Talented Student 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station | 216 Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 | villageeastgifted.com
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nymetroparents Rockin Tots with Darlene Graham Mommy and Me Music Program for infants to 3-year-olds Rockin Tots with Darlene Graham 1163 Old Country Road, Plainview | 917-617-4183 | rockintotsdarlene.com
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nymetroparents Need for speed? Race indoor electric karts at RPM Raceway! RPM Raceway | 40 Daniel St., Farmingdale | 631-752-7223 | rpmraceway.com
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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distribution@davlermedia.com 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 LongIslandParent 43
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL
To be in this section, call 516-883-4543 or email nympads@davlermedia.com
ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com
Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.
Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767
Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 kidsteeth4li.com kidds@optonline.net
Kidds on Park Pediatric Dentistry - Dr. Jodi Guttenberg 111 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre 516-678-7422 drjodiguttenberg.com; info@kiddsonpark.com
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660; theciitcenter.com
Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry. Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.
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Dr. Jodi Guttenberg and her board-certified associates have been treating the dental needs of children since 1995. Their training and experience allow them to provide the highest quality of care for children. The office is “full service” offering routine dentistry along with orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, laser surgery, and even sedation when necessary. The environment is welcoming for both children and their parents. They provide stress-free treatment for children of all ages and are experts in caring for those with special needs.
Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure consistency that is so important to young children. The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs. The office also participates with most major insurance plans.
Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. 444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com
Dr. Rod is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He truly cares about children and understands that kids need to feel like they are in a safe, comfortable, relaxed, and friendly environment. At Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C., we strive to use the healthiest materials. Our office uses no mercury and no BPA in any of our fillings and sealants. Additionally, all of our materials are gluten-free to provide optimal oral health for your child.
Allied Physicians Group Children’s Medical Group of Bayside and Plainview Thomas Capilupi, M.D. 26-11 Corporal Kennedy St., Bayside 718-224-6000 1171 Old Country Road, Suite 2A, Plainview 516-931-4343 childrensmedicalgroupny.com
Dr. Thomas Capilupi grew up in New York and attended Fordham University, graduating in 1983 with a B.S. He then went on to New York Medical College, graduating in 1987. Dr. Capilupi completed his internship and residency at North Shore University Hospital and has been practicing in Bayside and Plainview. He is a member of the Nassau Pediatric Society.
Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry 164 Main St., Port Washington 516-888-9789 tinysparkles.com
Dr. Angie Chin welcomes everyone to her new office in Port Washington. The office is modern and child-friendly with themed treatment rooms, iPads and games in the waiting room, movies and cartoons available during treatment, and digital animal X-rays. Dr. Chin’s practice philosophy is centered on promoting preventive care and helping parents and children develop a healthy and happy dental home. With her light-hearted approach and welcoming demeanor, kids of all ages have grown to truly love going to the dentist!
OPEN HOUSES 2017 Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning
175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org LIWCA is a place where children who learn differently thrive. Tour the academy and meet the director, admissions, and faculty. Open houses: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10am-12pm; and Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6-8pm.
Portledge School
355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-750-3104 portledge.org mworth@portledge.org We invite you to experience Portledge at our open house, Friday, Dec. 8 from 9:30-11:30am. Ages 2 through 12th grade.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join us for an open house Sundays, Dec. 17 or Jan. 21, 2018. Reservations required. Visit usdan.org/visit. For $100 off new student tuition use promo code: Nassau.
Village East Gifted: Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner
Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com VEG Academic Enrichment Program provides a comfortable and stimulating learning environment, where Gifted and Talented students are inspired to explore, create, and excel. Call 631-549-2313 to schedule a personal tour.
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PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT A COUPLE OF PUPPETS THEATRE 631-276-1014 acoupleofpuppets.com acoupleofpuppets@gmail.com Entertain your party guests with a Little Red Riding Hood puppet show! The show is 30 minutes and most appropriate for ages 2-7. We travel to your home or venue. CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000; 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties! The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects. GAMETRUCK LONG ISLAND 917-327-8700 gametruck.com david.schwartz@gametruck.com Video Game Party, laser tag arena, inflatables, or bubble soccer—GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true! MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy. ROYAL EVENTS PRINCESS PARTIES INC. 516-729-4970 royaleventsli.com 46
royal.events@aol.com Thank you for considering Royal Events! We are a family-owned company that provides Princess Performers for birthday parties, hospital visits, and all your special events! PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000-square-feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, and bumper cars, to a roller coaster, carousel, disco room, and laser tag! ART BUZZ KIDS 35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 syosset@wineanddesign.com 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre 516-442-0330 rvc.ny@wineanddesign.com wineanddesign.com Spark your child’s creativity and imagination! Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere. CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an upclose animal encounter. THE FASHION CLASS 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 3,000-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show! GREAT PLAY OF SYOSSET 180 Michael Drive, Syosset 516-364-1500 greatplay.com/syosset info@syosset.greatplay.com We offer customized parties for ages 1-10. Your guests will have a blast and your child will receive All-Star treatment in our amazing Interactive Gym™. HUNTINGTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dancethemed birthday parties. As a special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests! KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting! THE LITTLE LADIES CLUB 246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com
party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been providing glamorous makeover parties for girls since 1998! Her Majesty will be sure to receive the royal treatment! LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides, and special seating at our Sea Lion Show! LONG ISLAND SPORTS COMPLEX 103 Mill Road, Freeport 516-546-0900 longislandsportscomplex.com Long Island Sports Complex is your field of dreams! Long Island’s state-of-the-art, climate-controlled, indoor turf field. Known to have the “greatest party on turf,” offering special sports or inflatable parties, and bubble soccer parties. M.A.T.S.S. KID’S GYM & EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION CENTER A RAINBOW OF PROGRAMS UNDER ONE ROOF! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore 516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com corporate@matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym offers a rainbow of themes and activities that will make your child’s next birthday party the ultimate celebration of their special day! MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation mgym.com/stonybrook My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse, or any theme you want.
NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. THINKERTOTS 1818 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-488-3414 thinkertots.com thinkertotsnhp@gmail.com We can custom design your party with open playtime and music or you can rent out our location. We provide themed paper goods. TOKEY HILL MARTIAL ARTS 95 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington 516-625-9695 tokeyhill.com Schedule an action-packed party your child will never forget. Guests enjoy 90 minutes of action! Martial arts instruction, games, and board breaking! Paper goods, pizza, and refreshments included. UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675
unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer 1 hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room. THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!
Fishing g for some fun? Winter Break Programs at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH MAKING
Make your own homemade playdough. Use the Hatchery's animals as your inspiration and get creative!
LIVE AIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Learn about the Hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians
TROUT FEEDING DEMONSTRATIONS
Watch trout jump & splash as they devour a diet of fish food
ANIMAL TRACKS: Who’s Been Here?
Who’s making that strange footprint in your backyard? Identify animal tracks & make your own track to take home!
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE January 1st 11am
Come and learn about Long Island winter habitats and end your visit with a guided nature hike. FAMILY FRIENDLY!
www.cshfishhatchery.org | 516-692-6768 | 1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teacher in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!
• A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classrooms offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years. • Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998.
Want more activities to do this winter… NYMetroParents.com Helping parents make better decisions
• Early drop-off and extended day available. REGISTER FOR JANUARY 354 Lakeville Road • Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com
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Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS SHINING SMILES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. 444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rod provides comprehensive care to children of all ages. Our friendly and passionate team is dedicated to making your child’s visit stress-free, pain-free, and fun!
planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com; brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.
DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com • Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY: RACHEAL MCINNES, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. FOOD & NUTRITION THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com; info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Making food and nutrition fun for the whole family. Available for speaking engagements. Also provides workshops for kids, family night dinners, and healthy weight counseling. LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal 48
SPECIAL NEEDS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com; brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LIFE’S WORC THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and support for people with autism and their families. Programs include insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500; hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com • Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with
December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY: RACHEAL MCINNES, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations. THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF HUNTINGTON 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com; sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Huntington offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT/ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com; info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.
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BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
EDUCATION
MUSIC
@ Play Amusement...................................................... 9
Countryside Montessori School.................................. 47
Music Together, LLC................................................... 17
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 47
Eye Level Learning Center........................................... 9
Gulliver’s Gate............................................................ 21
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 37
Music Together, LLC................................................... 17
Mathnasium ................................................................ 5 Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc............. 21
Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander.................. 13 Tokey Hill Martial Arts................................................. 41
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS @ Play Amusement...................................................... 9
CAMPS
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 47
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.............................. 47
Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc............. 21
Countryside Montessori School.................................. 47
Gulliver’s Gate............................................................ 21
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 37
New York Botanical Garden........................................ 19
Mathnasium ................................................................ 5
Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander.................. 13
PLAY SPACES @ Play Amusement...................................................... 9
RETAIL Once Upon a Child..................................................... 17
Music Together, LLC................................................... 17
CLASSES Eye Level Learning Center........................................... 9 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................ 37 Steps To Socialization................................................ 11 Tokey Hill Martial Arts................................................. 41
FITNESS
SPECIAL NEEDS
Tokey Hill Martial Arts................................................. 41
Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 45 ChiroMom............................................................. 41, 44
HEALTH Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 45 C.I.I.T. Center....................................................... 19, 44 ChiroMom............................................................. 41, 44
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry.................... 3, 44 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............. 37, 44 Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg DDS......................... 44
Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry.................... 3, 44
Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC.................. 21, 45
DANCE
Fairy LiceMothers....................................................... 47
Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry................................ 45
Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc............. 21
Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg, D.D.S...................... 44 Merrick Pediatric Dentistry...................................... 7, 44
SPORTS
DEVELOPMENTAL
Meshab OB-GYN.................................................. 45, 52
Allied Physicians Group.............................................. 45
Northwell-Cohen Children Clinical Mag........................ 2
C.I.I.T. Center....................................................... 19, 44
Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC.................. 21, 45
Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............. 37, 44
Steps To Socialization................................................ 11
TUTORS
Steps To Socialization................................................ 11
Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry................................ 45
Eye Level Learning Center........................................... 9
Northwell Health Ice Center/ NY Islander................... 13
LongIslandParent 49
VOICES
Reflfle fl ctions of a [Not So] ‘Very Cool Dad’ ››
After years of working at parenting magazines and websites, our former editorial director says goodbye to the beat. By Michael Kress
I
was in the grocery store with my kids recently, and in an effort to get them to take a break from trying to kill each other long enough for me to check out, I decided to ask them directly: “Please take a break from killing each other so I can check out.” It didn’t really work, but it did catch the attention of a young woman passing by, who turned to me with a big smile and told me I was a “very cool dad.” Of that I am not sure, but the interjection was enough to somehow silence my kids long enough to allow me to pay and flee. Mission accomplished. Of course, my first instinct was to figure out how I’d write about the anecdote. That’s what we journalists do, and for the past seven years—the last two-plus at NYMetroParents—my career, and my passion, has focused on parenting magazines and websites. Now, as I say goodbye to the beat and begin a new chapter, I am feeling wistful but am also looking forward to my return to being a parenting civilian rather than a professional. When people hear I work in parenting media, they tend to ask for the best piece of advice I’ve learned, or make some comment about how I must be a great parent because of my job. Underlying the question or comment is the assumption that there is some Secret to Perfect Parenting lying somewhere waiting to be unlocked. Of course, there is not, and the articles I’ve published would never claim there is. Ask me instead about the safest way to put a baby to sleep or whether kids’ allowance should be dependant on their doing chores, and then we can have an indepth conversation. Parenting media, like parenting itself, is usually focused on the micro and the mundane—on solving the specific challenge or achieving the unique goal of the moment. In short, it strives to aid in the day-to-day struggles and adventures of modern parenting, rather than propose a Pefect Parenting Plan. That said, I have picked up a few lessons here and there, from the content I’ve edited and my own decade of experience as a parent. What are those? Here are just a few highlights: Michael Kress is the former editorial director of NYMetroParents and the father of three girls.
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December 2017 | nymetroparents.com
1. Kids’ moods will change in a heartbeat. The child throwing an epic tantrum will shrug it off and move on, while the siblings at war will suddenly be playing and laughing together—all while we adults continue to fume and shake, feeling the effects of the conflict long after our kids have forgotten about it. There is a saying about certain cities that if you don’t like the weather, wait a little while and it will change; so, too, for kids’ moods and behaviors. If you have the wherewithal to wait it out, this rough moment will certainly pass. 2. There is no substitute for being present. The best gift we can give our kids is time and attention. Unfortunately, there is the not-small matter of careers and income, and this is one of the harder things for many of us to give, especially in our commutecrazy metro area. At the very least, we can make sure to make the most of the time we do have during the week with our kids and on the weekends, being present not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Which means: Put down that phone (advice I preach better than I practice). 3. There is nothing more important than raising your kids to be kind. Resilience, academic success, social skills—these things are all important. But I’d give anything to know my kids will live lives of empathy, generosity, and kindness. The greatest moments I can recall as a parent? When I see one of my kids going out of her way to help a sister, friend, or occasionally, my wife or me. 4. Fart jokes are always funny. This is a universal truth that transcends age, gender, or interest. It just is. And that is a fact that can come in handy when stress levels get high and anxiety needs to be released. A bonus of working in parenting media is the free swag—and I must give a shout-out to all the companies that shipped toys and books and baby products that have enriched our lives and occasionally merited a review or mention. My kids, to be clear, are devastated that I am leaving. And there is so much I will miss, too, and not just the goodies. The true reward has been in digging into the issues that matter so much to our lives as parents, learning and growing from the content we’ve published, and sharing it with you to help all of us be the best parents we can be. I look forward to continuing to be part of this community, as a parenting civilian and a reader.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH
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Class Is In!
After-School Activities
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Resource Guide
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SLOW DOWN!
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Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins
How to Manage Kids’ Schedules
What Makes a Good Mentor?
+ 174 Family
+ 130 Family
(see our calendar, p. 26)
(see our calendar, p. 32)
Events
Events
Plus: Learning to Let Go
Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child
Where-To Guide: Berry Picking
•
Dinosaur Fun
Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science
NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
LongIslandParent 51
A Private Practice With a Commitment To Personalized Women’s Health Care and Wellness
Introducing Dr. Karyn Wat Specializing in adolescent and mature women’s health care and obstetrics. Multilingual - English, Spanish and Chinese
Welcome to Mesbah OB/GYN.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to women of all ages. In this day and age of large impersonal medical groups, our goal is to maintain a personal connection with our patients.
Specializing in minimally invasive and robotic surgery
Most major insurances accepted
877 Stewart Avenue Suite 3 Garden City, NY 11530 516-794-1500 www.mesbahobgyn.com