For my family, fall signifies change — the start of a new chapter, new beginnings, and growth. It’s not only the seasons that change — my youngest turns a year older, and with each birthday that passes, I am faced with the realization that I am no longer mom to two little ones — I’m no longer responsible for a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, or a kindergartener.
I now have to look up to speak to my 13-yearold, and my baby is now an independent 9-year-old with endless energy, a sense of humor, and a lot of opinions. While I am proud to see how they’ve grown up to be strong, intelligent, kind, loving boys, it feels like their childhood came and went as quickly as the seasons. I can still clearly remember the time my eldest showed his then-year-old brother how to launch himself into a pile of freshly raked fall leaves and what pure joy it brought them both—and to me. While it really was not that long ago, it feels like a lifetime. It’s a simple reminder that our time to raise tiny humans may be short, but the memories we make will last for the rest of their lives.
As challenging as it is to find time after the exhaustion of our daily routines, it is important to make as much magic as possible while we have time, which is why we pack each issue with ideas for fun activities and events you could possibly do together. So, whether you’re celebrating your family’s
Thanksgiving traditions, shopping for unique holiday gifts, taking in the magic of sparkling holiday light displays across the city, or planning your little one’s next birthday bash, we hope your family makes memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy every moment,
Tara
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Holiday Holiday Light Shows
by NáoSha GreGG
Few places capture the magic of the holiday season quite like New York City, and the Bronx offers its own unique twist on the festivities. While many flock to Manhattan for festive shows and holiday lights, the Bronx has its own little gems, offering holiday fun and mesmerizing shows. From the glowing lantern trails to dazzling drive-throughs and orchard strolls, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the spirit. Whether you’re looking for a big, bright spectacle or a neighborhood celebration close to home, these beloved light shows and seasonal events offer something special for everyone this holiday season.
bro NX
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
November 21 to January 4
A borough tradition, the Bronx Zoo brings back its famed Holiday Lights for the 2025 season. The event transforms the zoo grounds after dark into a glowing winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through trails lit with millions of twinkling lights and hundreds of animal- and plant-themed lanterns, explore immersive zones like the “Enchanted Sea” with interactive swings and LED floors, watch ice-carving demonstrations, and even ride a holiday train. It’s a vivid and magical experience for families, offering both festive ambiance and the backdrop of wildlife, including themed lanterns. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $27 for children.
Holiday Train Nights at New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park nybg.org/event/holiday-trainshow-2025/holiday-train-nights Select evenings, November 22 to January 10
Celebrated for more than 30 years, the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show combines horticultural artistry and nostalgic
charm—and becomes even more enchanting when the lights come on after dark. During Holiday Train Nights, Giant model trains weave through nearly 200 handcrafted replicas of New York landmarks. Guests can stroll the glowing pathways with a festive drink in hand, enjoy live entertainment, and capture picture-perfect holiday moments amid the twinkling lights. Tickets start at $43 for non-members (members receive 20% off), and children under 2 enter free.
Local to the borough, the Williamsbridge Oval Park turns into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy winter-themed activities, including lights, ice skating, and seasonal décor. This free, community-oriented event enables families to enjoy a festive outing without having to travel far from home.
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Lumina at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Rd. North Salem luminahm.com
November 21 to December 30
Located in North Salem, just an hour drive from the five boroughs, Harvest Moon
Farm & Orchard’s Lumina: A Magical Light Experience offers a whimsical illuminated trail through an orchard revamped for the holidays—over half a million lights illuminate tunnels, accompanied by themed installations and interactive displays. Guests can warm up over a cup of hot chocolate, light-up wands, and capture memorable photos amid the glow, making it a cozy outing that blends rural charm with festive magic. Online tickets start at $15; pricing varies by date; children age 3 and under are free.
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla wwinterwonderland.com
November 21 to December 28
Just a short drive from the Bronx, Westchester County’s Winter Wonderland delivers a festive drive-through holiday light experience. Visitors can expect to drive through more than a mile of dazzling displays from the comfort (and warmth) of their car — glowing tunnels, dancing trees, gleaming angels of peace, and a towering 50foot Christmas tree. The event is well-suited for families seeking something fun, cozy, and low-stress in the evening, with proceeds supporting local parks and children’s health causes. Tickets can be pourchased on Feverup.com, and start at $20 for children ages 5 to 12, and $30 for adults.
b ronx Zoo Holiday lights
holiday Markets
by New york Family
It’s the holiday season in NYC, and no one does holidays better than we do! There are countless holiday markets around the city where people cannot only get their shopping done but also experience a unique winter wonderland like nowhere else in the world. Check out these festive holiday markets, and be sure to check newyorkfamily.com for updates as we add more fairs, markets, and holiday fun all season long!
Manhattan
Crafts at the Cathedral
1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th Street
Dec. 5 – 7
Crafts at the Cathedral offers a distinctive holiday shopping experience within the aweinspiring walls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. With over 75 artisans offering handcrafted ceramic, glass, wood, fabric, and jewelry items, this market allows visitors to explore unique creations while surrounded by the grandeur of one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals.
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Between 40th & 42nd Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues
Oct. 24 – Jan. 4; Select shops remain open through March 1, 2026; Weekdays, 11 am – 8 pm
Sat. & Sun., 10 am – 8 pm
Known as Manhattan’s Winter Wonderland, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is the pinnacle of holiday markets in NYC. The Winter Village includes free admission to the ice skating rink. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace are open-air markets inspired by those found in Europe and include almost 200 artisanal vendors. Other activities include a Curling Cafe + Bar, Cozy Igloos, and, of course, the tree lighting. While the holiday shops will only be around until Jan. 4, the winter village will be open through March 1.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Vanderbilt Hall , Grand Central Terminal
89 East 42nd St.
Nov. 10 – Dec. 24
Mon. – Sat., 10 am – 7 pm; Sun., 11 am –6 pm; Christmas Eve, 10 am – 6 pm
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is only a short walk from Bryant Park (and just a train ride away). This event is a sixweek-long celebration of small businesses that guarantees the best of NYC’s holiday cheer and talent. This year’s fair features a 6,000-square-foot indoor artisan market packed with unique handmade jewelry, pottery, amazing artwork, and more.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
59th Street and Central Park West Dec. 2 – 31
Mon. – Fri., 11 am – 8 pm; Sat. – Sun., 10 am – 8 pm
Internationally known as one of the most beautiful and elegant places for holiday shopping, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is back! This holiday market contains countless aisles of art, jewelry, home decor, and food from local vendors, and is the perfect place to do all your holiday shopping.
Union Square Holiday Market
University Place & East 14th Street
Nov. 16 – Dec. 24
Weekdays, 11 am – 8 pm; Sat., 10 am – 8 pm; Sun., 11 am – 7 pm
With over 160 vendors, including local artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs, organizers say this year will be better than ever! Millions of people browse the aisles of this unique, eclectic holiday experience each year. There is something for everyone at Union Square.
Uptown Holiday Market
Jackie Robinson Bandshell
116 Bradhurst Ave.
Dec. 5 – 26, Thursdays, 4 – 10 pm
Embrace the holiday spirit at this holiday market, which features local makers, crafters, and food vendors with one-of-a-kind offerings. Browse handmade items, savor delicious treats, and enjoy a lively community atmosphere while supporting local businesses.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
100 West 77th St. at Columbus Ave. Sundays, Dec. 1 – 22, 10 am – 5 pm
With over 300 amazing local artisans and dealers, the Grand Holiday Bazaar is the perfect place to find unique gifts you cannot find anywhere else! You’ll find one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decorations and gifts, candles, skincare, fashion, vintage accessories, handmade jewelry, rare antique silver and glassware, and tasty artisanal chocolates.
Renegade Craft Fair
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St. Dec. 13 & 14
Sat. – Sun., 11 am – 5 pm
With over 180 talented artists showcasing their work, this event is the perfect place to explore a variety of handmade gifts that will make great gifts this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind decorations, stylish accessories, or thoughtful presents, you’re sure to discover something special.
Brooklyn
7th Annual Wallabout Holiday Market
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 141 Flushing Ave. Dec. 7 & 8
The 7th Annual Wallabout Wonderland
Holiday Market in Brooklyn Navy Yard
Grand Central h oliday Fair
features a winter wonderland-themed marketplace that brings the community together and supports small businesses. Shop for holiday gifts and enjoy a weekend of holiday cheer.
The Makers Show at City Point
445 Albee Square West
Nov. 30 – Dec. 22
The Makers Show combines the idea of the retail market platform with values in social justice by promising a commitment to promoting equity and community investment through local markets. Founders Julie and Tiz believe in keeping resources within local economies and amplifying businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and other underrepresented groups.
DUMBO Holiday Market at the Brooklyn Flea DUMBO Archway
80 Pearl St.
Saturdays and Sundays through Christmas
10 am – 5 pm
Located at the Brooklyn Flea Market, Dumbo transforms into a winter wonderland shopping district during the holiday season. Over 40+ vintage and handmade vendors sell a variety of items, including antiques, clothing, art, jewelry, and more!
Holiday Market at Industry City
220 36th St., Sunset Park
Nov. 25 – Dec. 30
Mondays, 4 pm – 10 pm
This festive holiday market comes to Brooklyn’s own Industry City. Local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors will be on hand with a large selection of handmade goods, delicious seasonal treats, and unique offerings perfect for gift-giving.
FAD Market
Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, DUMBO
Weekends, Dec. 7 – Dec. 22, 11 am – 6 pm
With three locations at The Invisible Dog Art Center, St. Paul Catholic Church, and Empire Stores, the FAD Market is bringing the holiday spirit back to the BoCoCa neighborhood. These markets contain the region’s most
talented makers, designers, and entrepreneurs selling jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, home décor, handmade food items, and more.
This unique holiday market in Long Island City offers a variety of handmade pottery for sale at affordable prices. Ceramic artists from all over New York participate and showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces, which are the perfect gifts for any art enthusiast in your family.
Bronx
Bronx Holiday Market at Fordham Plaza
1 Fordham Plaza
Saturdays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 28, 4 – 10 pm
This fun, festive event features local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors with all kinds of unique goodies. It’s a great chance to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy tasty treats, and soak up the holiday spirit with family and friends.
What To Do with Your Kids’ Old Toys
By BarBara russo
The holiday season is around the corner! It’ll soon be time to check off items on your kids’ wishlists. But in the meantime, you might wonder, “How will we have room for all these new toys?” Don’t fret, because we put together a list of what to do with the old toys they outgrew or just don’t play with anymore. From recycling to donating, these suggestions give beloved toys a second life — in someone else’s home!
Recycling
Mattel PlayBack Program shop.mattel.com/pages/playback
Do you have Mattel toys to retire? If so, you can send them back to where they were created via the company’s PlayBack program. It allows you to return a wide variety of their branded items, which are then recycled into energy or reused as content in new products. To participate, go to the website and fill out a short form to receive a free prepaid shipping label.
Hasbro Toy Recycling hasbrotoyrecycling.hasbro.com/en-us/ toy-recycling
Mr. Potato Head. My Little Pony. Playskool. These are just a few popular Hasbro brands that you can send back as part of the company’s toy recycling program, which is a partnership with the organization, TerraCycle. Once you send back your toys, they repurpose them into new materials and products, including play spaces, flower pots, and park benches.
Spin Master Free Recycling Program spinmasterplaysponsible.com/terracycle Recycling is one smart way to handle outgrown toys. Spin Master, the company behind PAW Patrol and Rubik’s Cube, offers a
free mail-in recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle (similar to Hasbro’s). Check the eligible items list on Spin Master’s site, print a prepaid label, and send your toys in. They’re sorted, cleaned, and melted into hard plastic remolded into new products—think park benches and picnic tables—instead of ending up in a landfill.
Stuffed Animal Box
terracycle.com/en-US/pages/zerowaste-box-faq
Your kids aren’t playing with their stuffed animals anymore, but it might seem horrifying to think of these once-beloved plush companions winding up in the trash.
Well, there’s good news: They don’t have to! You can purchase a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box (prices start at $110), fill it with your stuffed animals, and send them out. The toys are then sorted and processed into raw materials used to make new products.
LEGO Replay
lego.com lego.com/en-us/sustainability/ replay
If your kids are ready to move on from their LEGOs, you can pass forward these muchloved toy bricks to kids in need. Just box up your bricks, print out a label, and ship them out. Kids will get a box filled with a variety of bricks and elements to play with, as well as a
cool activity booklet with some fun building activities to try out!
Givin G Back Charities
If you’re looking for more answers on what to do with your kids’ old toys, consider donating them to charity! Many charities, such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army, will resell your donated items and use the money to support their causes if you have a new, unwrapped toy you’d like to give. It’s run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and its mission is to bring Christmas joy to kids who are economically disadvantaged.
Homes and Shelters
Those beautiful dolls in your child’s old toy chest will almost certainly bring joy to children going through a difficult time. Consider calling local children’s and women’s shelters to see if they’re accepting toys, and if so, ask how you can go about donating.
Religious Organizations
Consider contacting churches, synagogues,
Ways to Recycle Other Items
Now that you have a few tips on what to do with your kids’ old toys, here are a few bonus ideas for recycling other household items, too:
Umbrellas: Broken or unwanted umbrellas can be upcycled into everyday items like tote bags, and the metal spokes can be recycled at a scrap metal facility.
Pet food bags: Once empty, pet food bags can be used as
and other religious organizations to see if they know of any families in need who can use toys.
Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)
This wonderful organization provides
trash bags.
Paint: Through the PaintCare program, many stores will accept unwanted paint to give away, sell, or reuse, which are preferred methods over recycling. Fewer resources are utilized, allowing local communities to benefit from free or low-cost paint. Check out paintcare.org for a store locator and instructions on how to make your donation.
comfort for children in traumatic or emergency situations through donations of stuffed animals, blankets, books, children’s clothes, and baby items. This beautiful mission allows you to donate items so they can be used to comfort the kids who need them most.
Laurie Berkner’s Friendly World
A warm, high-energy concert where kids lead and parents enjoy the ride
By Adrienne FArr
Laurie Berkner is a pioneering children’s singer-songwriter, author, and live performer with over 25 years of family music and over 1.7 billion streams. Her many accolades include being the first recording artist to appear in a music video in the Noggin and Nick Jr. stratospheres, developing a Universal Kids series, and authoring books for Simon & Schuster.
Throughout high school and college, Berkner sang in choirs and performed in bands and musical theater. After graduating from Rutgers University, she spent a decade as a preschool music specialist in New York City, learning the rhythms of real kids in real rooms. She didn’t plan to make children’s records, but she was inspired by her time with them, and it became the perfect way to use her talents for something she felt was important and rewarding. She says, “I wanted to create songs that matter for children.”
That intent threads throughout her albums, picture books, Off-Broadway children’s musicals, TV shows, and audio projects.
Inside the Laurie Berkner Show
Berkner doesn’t just play a set — she builds a friendly world where families can sing, stomp, and have a blast. When you go to one of her shows, you might see a sparkly drum kit, egg shakers, and her guitar waiting at the center. You may see holiday lights. Whatever the setup is, the stage is always bright and welcoming. Berkner comes out in sneakers, waves like she’s greeting old friends, and starts to strum. The room shifts from watching to doing. Her motions are big and expressive, capturing the attention of kids (and adults) in the audience. Berkner’s band keeps a happy beat that invites all to bounce, march, and move.
One of the songs you’re sure to hear is “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” an adorable tune about fish who have to keep reminding themselves that they’re fish. It usually has kids jumping and dancing as it cues the sounds of strokes and splashes. The audience becomes
a gentle ocean — parents do lazy breaststrokes, babies flap starfish hands — then the punchline drops and laughter erupts from everyone in attendance.
The show keeps folding kids into the action. For “Pig on Her Head,” she wears a plushie as a hat and looks out into the crowd to joyously converse with kids about what plushies they’ve brought to the show. She then incorporates their little buddies into her song. “We Are the Dinosaurs” builds a mini parade where kids “march, march, march” and let out a huge communal roar that even too-cool older siblings can’t resist.
Between songs, Berkner interacts with the crowd the way a teacher chats with kids during circle time: quick call-and-response, eye contact that reaches every row and improv when a kid blurts out something extraordinary. If a
little one gets overwhelmed, Laurie can soften the sound and slip into a lullaby moment like “Moon, Moon, Moon,” a beautiful song that she sings in a high octave with her bandmates, which relaxes the whole room.
Audiences don’t just watch Laurie Berkner; they become part of her delightful, familyfriendly band. You can experience one of her energetic, interactive shows during one of her upcoming New York shows:
November 8 : Adler Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th St., Manhattan
December 6 : Paramount Theatre, 370 New York Ave., Huntington, Long Island
Deceber 7: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Floor 2, Tarrytown
Visit laurieberkner.com to learn more.
Photo by Jayme Thornton
Family Traditions
One clan’s intergenerational Thanksgiving customs
By Drew Kramer
“Lifting a turkey is a big event,” my mother admits. She accepted the responsibility of hosting Thanksgiving this year, a holiday she owned every year since I was a child. Growing up, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. My older cousins made their pilgrimage from upstate New York to stay with us for the long weekend. Our family came together from all corners of Long Island to honor a day celebrating gluttony and our country’s complicated colonial history.
Like good Americans, in the kitchen we trust. In the wee morning hours, during the “ugly phase” of the holiday preparation, the ritual dressing of the bird took center stage. “18 pounds of pure poultry,” my mother announced in her annual impersonation of Julia Child, your French chef. As the years went by, the size of the bird ebbed and flowed with the loss and gain of family. In recent years, with the expansion of our modern family to include step-brothers, in-laws, and 10 grandchildren, the invite list hovers around 30.
After raising her hand to host in a family group text, I messaged my mother separately to assure her that I was up to the task if she decided she wasn’t, even the day before. Since moving to suburbia four years ago, I’ve stepped up to bring family together when she could not.
My mother is a caretaker. In the 20 years since my stepfather’s Parkinsons diagnosis, my mother’s capacity to find joy in the manual labor of the holidays waned. “I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I recognize that, mentally and physically, I cannot do what I used to do. My husband is ill. I find myself anxious at the thought of a big event,” she acknowledged. In the irreverent, dark humor we share, she declares, “I pass the torch. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be.”
When I mention my 30 person holiday guest list, people are shocked by my appetite to take on extra work while raising two young boys. Yes, the torch comes with domestic
responsibility, but with great responsibility comes great purpose. Like my mother, I feel the magic in bringing family together for joy. It is important to me to bring familiar faces and flavors to my table in the name of tradition and kinship. It is important to me to provide a forum for cousins to come together for mischief and forward momentum. If their relationships fade, so too do the ties that connect our people for generations to come.
Someday, when I’ve passed the torch to my children and theirs, I hope they’ll draw from the menu of family recipes that filled our bellies and hearts in the warmest moments of a calendar year: Cousin Dineen’s kugel; my late Aunt Debbie’s carrot soufflé; my mother’s turkey. These are the flavors that bind.
Everyone does their part to keep the party alive. As a spectator, my mother is happy to bring whatever she can to ease the pain of hosting the holidays. She delights in making her signature dishes the family craves without the stress of planning and cleaning. In corners of my basement, I squirrel away folding tables and chairs. I Pinterest compostable tablescapes because I cannot sacrifice style or sustainability, while prioritizing ease in executing a celebration for 30. My family comes with food in hand, rolling up their sleeves to clean a platter and unclog the drain. The
holidays teach me that I am not alone in this.
In the wake of Covid isolation, I am a conduit for connection. After years of uncomfortable distance, we are all making up for lost time. In this season of my life, I find purpose in bringing people together. As my Millennial generation grows into middle adulthood, our Boomer parents move into their golden years. This holiday season, many of us are grappling with the weight of the torch we’ve inherited. As a family leader, sandwiched between young children and aging parents, I urge you to rise to the occasion. Fight through the host anxiety, culinary pressure and cleaning exhaustion for the important milestones of the year. Let people bring food and pull up their sleeves in the kitchen. Use paper plates. Ask for help and watch relationships grow through the shared creation of this beautiful moment. When the dishes are cleared, the leftovers stored, and the grandchildren are taking apart your couch to erect a fort, sit back with your wine and know that you too are building something. Feel gratitude and connection to the generations of family that roasted the turkeys that brought all of you to this day. Know that someday, when the pounds of pure poultry become too great for you to carry, you will lean on the foundation you and generations of others established to keep the family flame ablaze.
Set Up for Success
How to help your differently-abled child thrive in school
BY NEW YORK FAMILY
Good communication between parents and teachers is key to every child’s success—but it’s essential when your child has a learning difference. Staying informed, maintaining open communication, and helping your child feel empowered can make the school year smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved. Here are some tips on how to set your child up for success.
1. Know Your Rights—and Speak Up Parents are entitled to clear information about special education services and supports. Understanding these rights helps you advocate confidently for your child. When attending meetings—such as the Committee on Special Education (CSE), annual reviews, or parent-teacher conferences—don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear. Staying informed puts you and your child in the
best position to ensure their needs are met.
2. Keep Communication Flowing Regular, honest communication with your child’s teachers makes a huge difference. Long Island co-teachers Kathy Devine and Emily Cole emphasize that parents of students with special needs should stay in close contact. “We like to know early if something changes at home—like a new medication or a shift in routine,” Cole says. Devine adds, “If your child is struggling with homework, let us know right away instead of waiting until the end of the trimester.”
Write a short letter to your child’s teacher at the start of the school year describing their strengths, challenges, and what strategies work best. It helps teachers understand your child as an individual from day one.
3. Understand IEP Goals
Take time to learn your child’s Individual-
ized Education Plan (IEP) goals and how they differ from general classroom goals. It’s normal for students to progress differently across these areas, but knowing what each set of goals measures will help you track growth more accurately—and celebrate progress in all forms.
4. Involve Your Child in the Process
Encouraging your child to participate in discussions about their learning plan can build confidence and self-advocacy skills. Cassie Reilly, a Transition Coordinator at a Long Island high school, suggests involving children in IEP meetings when possible. “Being open with kids about their diagnosis helps them see that their learning difference doesn’t define them,” she says. It’s about giving them a voice in their own education.
5. Embrace Your Child’s Unique Path
Every child’s journey looks different. Reilly notes that children may behave or perform differently at school than at home, and that’s okay. Success might not always follow a typical path—but with ongoing communication and understanding, parents and teachers can work together to find what works best for each child.
For four decades, Parkside has empowered children with languagebased learning differences to discover their strengths, find their voices, and grow with confidence. At Parkside, every child is known and supported through an interdisciplinary program that integrates academics, therapy, and the arts—helping students thrive both in school and beyond.
Individual and small-group Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Counseling
Small class sizes and personalized instruction
A robust Arts & Movement Program 6-Week Summer Program
Why Some Families Turn to Private Schools for Learning Differences
For children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, personalized instruction can unlock success
BY TARA LUSTBERG
For many New York–area families, choosing the right school is rarely simple. But when a child has learning differences, whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, that search can feel overwhelming. Even in districts with strong special education programs, parents often find that large class sizes, limited resources, and inconsistent support make it difficult for their child to thrive. That leads some to the realization of exploring private schools explicitly designed for students who learn differently.
Despite dedicated teachers’ good intentions and hard work, resources are stretched thin within the NYC public school system. Classrooms include students with a wide range of educational needs, and individualized attention can be difficult — if not impossible — to sustain. When a student’s needs aren’t fully met in a traditional classroom environment, some parents begin exploring alternative options for neurodiverse learners, like schools that center their teaching philosophy on how each child learns best.
A Tailored Approach
Private schools that specialize in learning differences take a different approach to classroom instruction. Unlike traditional schools that expect neurodiverse students to adapt to conventional learning methods, specialized schools design their curricula around each student’s unique needs. This individualized model may mean breaking lessons into shorter, more manageable steps, using multisensory techniques, pacing instruction according to the individual’s needs, and measuring progress by growth rather than standardized benchmarks.
These schools often maintain small classes — sometimes with fewer than 10 students per teacher — allowing teachers to devote more one-on-one time to each child
to familiarize themselves with their interests, abilities, and challenges. For children who struggle with attention or anxiety, the quieter, more predictable environment can reduce stress and improve focus.
Focus on Emotional Well-Being
Often, these schools place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, which help students manage frustration, stay organized, and advocate for themselves. Instead of viewing behavioral differences as disruptions, teachers are trained to recognize how overstimulation and frustration manifest and respond to help students refocus and regulate.
This can be transformative for a student who has gone from falling behind or feeling misunderstood to being engaged, capable, and confident. The feeling of belonging rather than feeling singled out can be as valuable as the curriculum itself.
Navigating the Path—and the Price
For many families, moving from public to private school can be complicated. When a public school cannot adequately meet a child’s needs, some parents look to private
schools for tuition coverage through the city’s Department of Education (DOE) reimbursement process. However, this process can be lengthy and often requires legal advocacy, documentation, persistence, and time.
But, while tuition costs are high, families who are able to make the investment (or effort of pursuing reimbursement) say it is worth it for their child’s long-term confidence and well-being.
Lessons for Every Classroom
In classrooms where individuality is embraced, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and emotional well-being is seen as essential to success, children who once struggled to fit in finally begin to flourish. The lessons from these specialized environments could inspire all public and private schools to rethink how they support the diverse ways children learn.
As awareness and understanding of neurodiversity grow, more families and educators are recognizing that traditional learning doesn’t work for every student. For many, finding the right school isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping their child discover their strengths, build selfesteem, and rediscover the joy of learning.
The Power of Partnership: 40 Years of The Parkside School
Forty years ago, two young educators—Albina Miller and Leslie Thorne—shared a simple but radical idea: that children with language-based learning differences deserved a place where they could be challenged and understood. In 1986, that vision took shape in a modest six-room space on West 100th Street. Their first student was just five years old.
What Albina and Leslie built together would go on to change the landscape of special education in New York City. Today, The Parkside School serves 80 children, supported by a team of more than 50 teachers, therapists, and specialists. Yet the heart of Parkside remains the same as it was on day one: a warm, child-centered community where every student is seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Albina Miller, Co-Head of School and Administrative Director, brings a steady blend of vision and pragmatism. With degrees from St. Joseph’s University, NYU, and Columbia University’s Teachers College, she has spent her career creating an environment where learning feels joyful and purposeful. “Every child deserves an education that honors their potential,” she says—and under her leadership, Parkside’s programs continue to evolve with innovation and heart.
Leslie Thorne, Co-Head of School and Educational Director, is known for her empathy and her ability to inspire both students and teachers. A Buffalo State and Hunter College graduate, she helped shape Parkside’s hallmark interdisciplinary model, where educators and therapists work in close partnership to integrate academics, communication,
and emotional growth. “When children feel safe, curious, and connected,” Leslie says, “real learning begins.”
Together, Albina and Leslie have built a community that changes lives. Parkside’s small classes, personalized instruction, and robust arts and movement programs nurture academic skills, confidence, creativity, and resilience. The impact endures
long after graduation—alums often credit Parkside with giving them the tools and selfbelief to thrive far beyond its red doors.
As The Parkside School celebrates its 40th Anniversary, Albina and Leslie remain as committed as ever to the future. They continue to mentor teachers, guide families, and strengthen programs that reflect their founding vision: to serve the whole child.
From one student in 1986 to a vibrant community today, Parkside stands as a testament to what can happen when compassion and expertise come together—and when two educators dare to imagine a school that meets every child where they are and helps them grow into who they’re meant to be.
The Parkside School
48 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023
212-721-8888
parksideschool.org
Leslie Thorne, Co-Head of School and Educational Director & Albina Miller, Co-Head of School and Administrative Director
Leveling the Learning Field
Christina Foti, Deputy Chancellor of NYC Public Schools, discusses
the future of inclusive education
By Náosha GreGG
New York City is renowned for its exceptional education system. From charter to public schools, families rest a bit easier at night knowing their child is receiving a quality education, taking one thing off their already full plate.
For Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti, standing firm on the city’s reputation is not just a goal, but a mission. As the Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL), Foti works to ensure that the approximately 20% of disabled New York City students and 73% of students considered economically disadvantaged are on a level playing field.
“DIAL was established to ensure that students with disabilities and multilingual learners are at the center of decisionmaking at New York City public schools,” she explains. “Our mission is to make sure that every New York City public school provides inclusive and accessible learning environments to students by centering their needs. And that starts at the highest level of decision-making.”
Education Closer to Home
As one of the largest public school systems in the country, city schools play a key role in the educational development of our youth. As of June 2022, 88% of students received their recommended special education programs in full; however, ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need remains an ongoing challenge. Most students with IEPs travel to and from school in the same manner as students without IEPs, which can consist of a long school bus ride or via crowded city buses and trains during the hectic weekday morning rush hour.
Foti is working to make schools more equitable and recognizes the importance of
bringing resources closer to home. She says that families have had to travel far outside their neighborhoods for too long to access the right programs. “For students with disabilities, they’ve needed to travel outside of their communities to get the high-quality services that they need,” says Foti. “Our work has been about bringing those services to their communities so that siblings can attend school together and neighbors can attend school together.”
Brooklyn residents have recently experienced the outcome of this initiative head-on, with the opening of the new PS 6 Early Childhood Annex in Flatbush. The newly opened extension serves children from 3K to kindergarten and is described by Foti as “a completely accessible building.” The annex features include a sensory room, preschool-sized bathrooms, and family spaces—all designed with accessibility and community needs in mind. Foti hopes that the newly opened space provides some relief to parents who worry that their children won’t have to commute so far and won’t have to sacrifice the quality of their education.
“Families can walk to school together and know their children, of all abilities, are being served in a high-quality, inclusive environment.”
The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Foti recalls visiting her neighborhood school one morning and watching a father gently brush his son’s face before dropping him off. “It was a beautiful moment to see how they clearly walked to their school that day. Dad was happily dropping his son off somewhere he knew his son would be safe and happy, and where he would be educated in a high-quality way,” she shares.
Autism Initiatives
Beyond Brooklyn, DIAL is piloting new autism programs in several districts, including 5, 12, and 14, seeing what Foti describes as high success rates. In the New York-New Jersey metro area, approximately 3% or around 17,000 students in NYC public schools (as of a 2017 New York Times report) were identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Photo by Chris Cassidy
“Our autism programs are outperforming their peers. Students are graduating in four years at 97%, which is remarkable,” Foti emphasizes. “The city now offers specialized placements for every incoming kindergartener with autism in those districts, and the model is expanding year over year.”
Embracing Multilingual Learners
The influx of migrant children has presented challenges for multilingual learners, but Foti is quick to emphasize the opportunities it creates. “Our commitment has been to increase bilingual programming generally because it benefits all students,” she says.
Since 2022, the city has experienced an influx of 40 thousand migrant children, in addition to the already 148,000 English as a second language (ESL) learners across the city, according to the NYC Department of Education. Many struggle to find proper education due to the language barrier. Despite the struggles, migrant children have shown promise, as exemplified by the child chess prodigy. “When children learn a second
“For students with disabilities, they’ve needed to travel outside of their communities to get the highquality services that they need. Our work has been about bringing those services to their communities so that siblings can attend school together and neighbors can attend school together.”
language, brain development is incredibly beneficial,” Foti explains. “We welcome the diversity that our students bring.”
The city is also mindful of broader issues, such as safety and accessibility. When asked about Gov. Hochul’s recent cell phone ban in schools, Foti emphasized the importance of striking a balance between distraction-free environments and necessary accommodations.
“From the inception of the ban, we were very mindful of what that would mean for students with disabilities, who perhaps rely on technology. What we’ve made clear is that if a child needs a device in accordance with their IEP, the school should provide it,” she clarifies. For parents
and caregivers navigating these systems, Foti encourages leaning into school-level support. “We’ve trained parent coordinators, school psychologists, and special educators. Thousands of folks have already been trained on the special education process,” she says. Families can also reach out to district offices or even DIAL’s central office directly via a dedicated special education inbox, which is monitored by her team.
According to Foti, at the heart of it all is a simple but powerful mission: Equity. “Our goal is really to put New York City at the forefront of special education practices, and to make every school the school we want to see for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.”
Swim Safety for Children with Disabilities
The right lessons can save lives
BY DANIELLE RAMOS
When it comes to child safety, few topics are more urgent—or overlooked—than water safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Often silent and shockingly fast, drowning can happen in seconds and in seemingly harmless places like bathtubs, backyard pools, lakes, fountains, and even buckets of water.
However, swim lessons can lower the risk of drowning by up to 88% for young kids. That makes early lessons and water safety one of the best ways parents can help keep their children safe. For families raising children with disabilities, swim safety can come with additional concerns. Lessons should be flexible and supportive, with programs that understand and adapt to each child’s unique needs.
We consulted Brittany Moog, a certified swim instructor and member of the U.S. Swim School Association, to talk about safety strategies, program options, and how parents can feel more confident near the water.
Why is swim safety important for all children, and how does that apply especially to children with disabilities?
Let’s be real: Kids and water go together like bubbles and bathtime. But while splashing is fun, safety always has to come first. For all children, knowing how to stay safe around water is a life skill, right up there with looking both ways before crossing the street.
For children with disabilities, that importance skyrockets. These kiddos may be more likely to wander, have a deep love for water, or simply process danger differently. That’s why we should treat swim lessons as more than just learning to swim; we’re building water superpowers that can literally save lives.
What should parents know about the water safety needs of children with disabilities?
Every child brings their own magic and their own needs to the water. Some may not understand when it’s safe to jump in, while others may not respond to verbal warnings. That’s where consistency, creativity and patience come in.
Parents can start by making water safety part of everyday life: Use stop/go visuals, practice waiting before entering the tub and/ or pool, and get everyone into a rhythm of predictable, repeatable routines. Water safety isn’t just a once-a-week class; it’s a mindset we help families bring into every puddle, pool, and beach day.
How can swim instruction be adapted to support children with a range of physical, cognitive, or sensory differences?
Every child deserves a swim lesson that feels just right for them. Ideally, instructors should get to know each swimmer and customize the lesson like it’s their favorite flavor of popsicle. Maybe it includes tactile prompts, visual cues, a favorite floaty toy or a calming song to set the tone.
If a child needs extra time to ease into the water, instructors should take it. If they communicate better through gestures or need a quieter space, they should adjust. Whether the child is learning to float, splash, or just feel calm in the water, instructors should move at the child’s pace, always aiming for progress over perfection.
What should parents look for when choosing a swim program that’s safe and supportive for children with disabilities?
Not all swim programs are created equal, especially when it comes to kids with disabilities. The gold standard? Instructors with training in adaptive swim methods and hearts as big as the pool.
Look for places that offer small group
or one-on-one lessons, have a calm and sensory-friendly environment, and (this one’s big!) actually listen to you about your child’s needs. You should feel like a partner in the process, not just a spectator.
Pro tip: bring a list of your child’s preferences, sensitivities, and swim goals, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Can I watch a class before we dive in?”
What tips do you have for parents to help their children stay safe around water outside of lessons, at home or on vacation?
Water safety doesn’t stop when the lesson ends; it’s a whole-family adventure! Here are a few of our favorite tips to help parents keep the water fun and safe:
Make it a routine: Use fun verbal cues like “Ready, set, splash!” to practice water boundaries at home.
Turn bath time into learning time: Let your child explore water movement, practice floating toys, or count to three before rinsing. Tiny lessons add up!
Muscle memory is your friend: Repetition is key. Practice how to enter and exit the pool, turn to float, or find the wall even without water.
Add layers of safety: Think door alarms, locked gates, and eyes-on supervision near any body of water.
Involve siblings: Turn them into safety sidekicks! Teaching everyone to look out for each other builds team spirit and responsibility.
With the right guidance, kids can grow up not just safe but strong, confident, and joyful in the water.
To find a reputable swim school in your area, or anywhere in the U.S., visit the United States Swim School Association. usswimschools.org.
The g illen b rewer School
410 East 92nd St., Upper East Side 212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com gillenbrewer.com
The Gillen Brewer School offers an academic-therapeutic approach to special education for kindergarten to 8th-grade students. The school’s mission is to educate and support students in becoming confident, independent, and engaged learners. The program features a hands-on, language-based curriculum integrating speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups into each child’s schedule. Children from across NYC are immersed in developmentally appropriate and socially engaging learning.
m etro community Health
979 Cross Bronx Espressway Service Road, West Farms, Bronx 718-665-7565 mchcny.org
Metro Community Health Center (MCHC) provides high-quality, wellcoordinated primary and specialty care and is strongly committed to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its skilled physicians, therapists, nurses, and staff deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and culturally competent care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Services include primary care and psychiatry in a comfortable and supportive environment. MCHC ensures accessible healthcare for all, prioritizing dignity and comprehensive wellness.
The Parkside School
48 West 74th St., Upper West Side 212-721-8888
alevinger@parksideschool.org
parksideschool.org
Celebrating 40 years of helping children with language-based learning differences thrive, The Parkside School provides a warm, individualized environment where every child’s strengths are recognized and nurtured. Their integrated academic and therapeutic programs support students in developing confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Discover how Parkside opens doors to new possibilities for children in kindergarten through 5th grade.
MCHC provides high-quality, well-coordinated primary and specialty care to all patients, with a strong commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR ALL
MCHC provides affordable care for all with a Sliding Fee Scale, ensuring no patient is turned away due to financial circumstances
Services Available at Bronx Location:
• Primary Care
Dental
Neurology
GYN
Podiatry
Behavioral Health
Psychiatry
Food Pantry
BeST
Birthday Party Places
Finding the right place to celebrate your child’s big day can turn an ordinary birthday into something truly unforgettable. Whether your little one dreams of a hands-on art party, an epic play-space experience, or an outdoor adventure, there’s no shortage of creative venues to bring those birthday wishes to life. We’ve gathered some of the best kids’ birthday party spots—each with its own unique charm, from themed entertainment to stress-free all-inclusive packages. No matter where you celebrate, these spots deliver fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
The Artful Attic
3100 Wilkinson Ave., Pelham Bay 718-822-0216
Mrs.Ryan@TheArtfulAttic.com TheArtfulAttic.com
You can make your child’s next birthday unforgettable with a personalized Arts & Crafts party at The Artful Attic. Every event is customized by you and your child. Mrs. Ryan and her team guide kids through a fun, handson art experience, and everyone creates their own masterpiece. Best of all, they do it all, from setup and decor to food and drinks and cleanup. The Artful Attic offers a warm, welcoming space where creativity thrives and every child is treated like one of their own. Whether it’s your party, special gathering, private event, or one of their weekly Arts & Crafts classes, The Artful Attic celebrates with heart and imagination.
Blue Balloon Parties specializes in creating unique, personalized entertainment experiences for every occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, family gathering, community
event, or corporate function, the company’s mission is to deliver unforgettable moments with professionalism, creativity, and care. Serving the New York Tri-State Area, Blue Balloon Parties brings the fun directly to its clients. With passionate and engaging performers, the team ensures guests are always surprised, delighted, and thoroughly entertained. From small parties to large-scale events, Blue Balloon Parties guarantees reliable service, exceptional quality, and complete client satisfaction. Their dedication to excellence makes every celebration one to remember—because at Blue Balloon, they truly “Bring the Party to You.”
Dave’s Cast of Characters
Serving Westchester County 914-235-7100
davescast.com
For over 20 years, Dave’s has been bringing unforgettable fun to celebrations of all kinds, from first birthdays and communions to graduations and mitzvahs. They offer entertainment for every age (including the “grown-up kids”), with an incredible selection of performers, inflatables, games, and music. Choose from over 100 costumed characters, clowns, magicians, jugglers, face painters, and balloon artists. Add excitement with bouncers, slides, obstacle courses, and specialty units like their Velcro Wall or Bungee Bull. Want a carnival vibe? They’ve got games, Dave’s Gameworld Arcade, a trackless train, an airplane ride, and sweet treats like popcorn and cotton candy. Whatever the theme or occasion, Dave’s Entertainment makes every party truly memorable!
A Novel Princess Party anovelprincessparty.com
A little magic can make a big impact! A Novel Princess Party transforms children’s birthdays into unforgettable adventures with royal, superhero, and fan-favorite character
experiences. Families can choose from beloved characters like Elsa, Moana, Superman, Ghost Spider, Taylor Swift, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. Professional performers bring the magic directly to the celebration, offering 30–120-minute visits filled with hands-on activities, special gifts, and sensory-friendly options. Serving kingdoms across the tristate area, every celebration is uniquely enchanting.
Party Mags
631-600-3315
charles@partymags.com partymags.com
Party Mags services the Tri-State Area, delivering high-energy entertainment with the latest multimedia technology. Each Party Mags event features Mobile Arcade Gaming
Systems equipped with two TVs, dual game consoles, vibrant LED lighting, and doublesided play for nonstop fun. Guests can enjoy top video game consoles, crisp displays, versatile tablets, and immersive virtual reality headsets. From thrilling VR adventures to Fortnite battles and gaming tournaments, Party Mags transforms any occasion into an unforgettable experience. Whether for a birthday, school event, or corporate gathering, Party Mags brings excitement directly to your venue. With game trucks, bouncy houses, and jumbo games, they ensure endless fun for guests of all ages— making every celebration truly memorable.
The best kids’ birthday parties are at Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park in Brooklyn! Urban Air is the perfect place to celebrate your child’s special day! With wall-to-wall trampolines, exciting obstacle courses, and thrilling attractions, your child and their friends will bounce, climb, and have non-stop fun. At Urban Air, party planning is simple and stressfree! All party packages include a party host, digital invitations, balloons, utensils, bottled water, and so much more! Urban Air is the go-to destination for birthday excitement and endless adventures every day of the week.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park
Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo
800-433-4149
BZeducation@wcs.org bronxzoo.com/birthday-parties
Celebrate your little party animal! Planning your child’s best day ever is easy with family-approved party packages in a fun and educational setting. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s aquarium and zoos each offer different educational birthday programming. Parties include park admission for your group, space to celebrate, exhibit experiences, up-close animal visits, and more. WCS Educators bring learning to life with fun hands-on activities that keep kids engaged. Party package themes, prices, availability, and offerings vary at each park.
calendar
by Shara LeviNe
b ro Nx
flip circus
wHeN: Monday – Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; Sunday, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm, through Nov. 4.
wHere : The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Co-op City
ageS: All
wHaT: Don’t miss experiencing thrill seeking motorcycles inside the Globe of Steel, gleeful clowns, and more!
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $17.23. 718-208–2750, flipcircus.com
boogie down impact: community Service Projects
wHeN: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11 am – 3 pm
wHere : Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Williamsbridge
ageS: All
wHaT: Join Boogie Down Impact to lend a helping hand by writing letters to members of our armed forces, designing blankets for animals, collecting items for care packages, and more.
waNT To go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
family art Project: rolling out the autumn landscape
wHeN: Nov. 8 – 9, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm
wHere : Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd St., Riverdale
ageS: All
wHaT: Experience the many colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal landscape through sketching and painting. Then, transform your scenic art into a scroll that can be unfurled whenever you wish. WANT TO GO?: Included with $6-$12 admission. 718549–3200, wavehill.org
Pete and chris amusements
wHeN: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 3 – 4 pm
wHere : Spuyten Duyvil Library, 650 W. 235th St., Riverdale
ageS: All
wHaT: Join Pete and Chris, just two silly guys filled with surprises for the whole family. Join the Library to discover what’s in store!
wHere : New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park
ageS: All
wHaT: The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel famous bridges and
familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas to life.
waNT To go?: $27-$39. 718-817–8700, nybg.org
family day November 2025
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 – 4 pm
wHere : The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Concourse
ageS: All
wHaT: Join Bronx Museum Educators for art-making activities inspired by artist Reverend Joyce McDonald’s clay sculptures in the exhibition Ministry.
waNT To go?: Free. 718-681–6000, bronxmuseum.org
bronx Zoo Holiday lights
wHeN: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park
ageS: All
wHaT: Millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals transform the Zoo into an immersive experience, featuring hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious treats.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $26.95. bronxzoo.com
Harlem renaissance classic ‘25
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 am – 5 pm
wHere : Manhattan University, 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy., Riverdale
ageS: All
wHaT: Experience a thrilling day of basketball filled with exciting matchups, bands, cheerleaders, the sounds of MC/DJ announcer extraordinaire Dwight Jackson, and more.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $15. eventbrite.com
Bronx Zoo Holiday l ights
m a N haTTa N
christmas Spectacular
Starring The radio city rockettes (photo)
wHeN: Nov. 6 – Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown
ageS: All
wHaT: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the worldfamous Radio City Rockettes as this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $65. rockettes.com
big apple circus at lincoln center
wHeN: Nov. 7 – Jan. 4, see website for schedule
wHere : Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave. & W 62nd St., UWS
ageS: All
wHaT: The magic of the Big Apple Circus is back with unforgettable feats of strength and skill, this all-new show brings the magic of the circus to life.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $37. bigapplecircus.com
New york city veterans day Parade 2025
wHeN: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
wHere : Parade begins at 26th St. and 5th Ave., Flatiron District
ageS: All
wHaT: The nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade will commemorate the 250th
anniversary of America’s military by celebrating the founding of the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy!
waNT To go?: Free. uwvc.org
macy’s Thanksgiving day Parade
wHeN: Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm
wHere : Parade begins at Central Park West & 77th St., Upper West Side
ageS: All
wHaT: This iconic parade includes magnificent floats, marching bands from across the country, and enormous balloons featuring favorite characters, old and new.
waNT To go?: Free. macys. com
b rook Ly N
b rooklyn fc vs dc Power fc
wHeN: Nov. 8, 3 – 5:30 pm
wHere : Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island ageS: All
wHaT: Brooklyn FC takes on the DC Power FC during what is sure to be an exciting soccer match!
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $23. seatgeek.com
lightscape
wHeN: Nov. 21–Jan. 4, Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
wHere : Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Prospect Park ageS: All
wHaT: This after-dark illuminated trail features luminous installations and light-splashed landscapes highlighting the beauty of the Garden in winter.
waNT To go?: $15-$44. bbg. org
Quee NS
wQXr classical kids fair
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 9, 12 –4 pm
wHere : Queens Theater, 14 United Nations Ave S, Corona ageS: 4 – 12
wHaT: Families can enjoy live performances, instrument discovery stations, dance and songwriting workshops, musical arts & crafts, and more.
waNT To go?: Free. 718-760–0064, queenstheatre.org
bagelfest
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 9 am – 4 pm
wHere : Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing ageS: All
wHaT: Explore and sample from top bagel, spread, and specialty food vendors, play interactive games, check out the special kids programming, and more.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $69 for adults; $18 child 12 and younger. bagelfest.com
360 all STarS
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5:30 pm
wHere : Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing ageS: All
wHaT: Featuring a first-class lineup of World Champion and record-holding athletes and artists, this show blends street artistry with a live soundtrack and immersive video projections.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $27.75. 718-793–8080, kupferbergcenter.org
Holiday train s how at new york Botanical Garden
Bryant Park Transforms!
Seasonal favorite kicks off the holidays in style in Midtown
By Danielle Ramos
You know the holiday season’s right around the corner when the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park returns! This year, it opened in late October, kicking off one of NYC’s most beloved family traditions. The park’s annual transformation includes festive, open-air holiday shopping, free ice skating, and plenty of food and drink.
Whether you’re picking up handmade gifts, teaching your kids to skate, or just enjoying the lights with a cup of cocoa, the Winter Village is a fun day out right in the heart of Midtown. And, of course, New Yorkers already know that while there are so many bigger parks, Bryant Park is truly one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
The Holiday Shops: A Festive and Unique Shopping Experience
With so many big stores offering the same generic-looking gift items, the shopping alone is worth the trip. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace bring together over 190 local and international vendors, offering everything from handmade jewelry and art prints to gourmet snacks and unique stocking stuffers. Plus, it feels like wandering around through a European market, right in the heart of Manhattan.
A few highlights from this year’s lineup include:
Baked by Melissa : New to the Holiday Shops, enjoy handcrafted mini cupcakes loved nationwide for their creative twists on classic flavors. These are those bite-sized cupcakes everyone fights over at parties!
Buttermee Pancakes : Also new to the market this year, these mini pancake bites are as delicious as they are meaningful, with a portion of proceeds supporting mental health programs.
Cheese Wheel Pasta : Back by popular demand, serving creamy pasta spun to perfection inside a giant wheel of cheese (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
Pinky Pilots : Affordable, feel-good art prints and originals that brighten any
space and bring positive energy to your home and heart!
Soap for Sinner s: All-natural soaps and apothecary goods that make thoughtful gifts or a little treat for yourself. Free from preservatives, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, this new addition for 2025 delivers clean skincare for everyday grime.
Visitors can check out the Bank of America Small Business Spotlight, where you’ll find a rotating selection of local entrepreneurs selling everything from ceramics to greeting cards in rent-free booths designed to help NYC small businesses shine. This year features Brooklyn’s Tribe & Oak (through Nov. 11), Staten Island’s JAY CERAMICS (Nov. 12–30), Brooklyn’s Smar Art (Dec. 1–16), and Manhattan’s Vanilla Joe & Co. (Dec. 17– Jan. 4).
You Gotta Check Out Midtown’s Free Ice Skating Rink At the center of all the holiday activity and
shopping is The Rink, New York City’s only free-admission ice skating rink. Bring your own skates or rent a pair. Kids can use skate aids, lessons are available, and Bank of America cardholders even get 10% off skate rentals when booking online. There will also be special skating performances throughout the season.
When you need a break from the cold, head to The Lodge, a cozy indoor spot with comfort food, hot drinks, and seasonal cocktails.
More to Come at Winter Village This Season
Later in the season, keep an eye out for Santa’s Corner, Cozy Igloos, and everyone’s favorite, Bumper Cars on Ice, for both kids and adults.
The Winter Village runs until March 1, 2026, at Bryant Park (between 40th and 42nd Streets on Sixth Avenue).
For up-to-date rink and shop hours, visit wintervillage.org.
Rigorous Curriculum: Focused on Law and Social Justice, emphasizing LSJ Core Values: Excellence, Character, Courage, and Commitment.
Direct Pathway: transition to our high school, college, and career readiness.
Comprehensive Support System: Each grade is supported by a dedicated Guidance Counselor and Culture and Community Member, ensuring the holistic development of our students.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Students receive iPads, hotspots, and tech accommodations for a modern, eco-friendly learning experience.
Elective-Based STEM Classes: Engaging "Fun Fridays" for hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Charter MIDDLE School For Law and Social Justice is currently accepting applications for 6th graders for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Visit CMSLSJ.ORG or use the QR code to apply today!
for 6th graders. Visit CMSLSJ.ORG or use the QR code to apply today!
To learn more about our comprehensive educational program or for questions about our admissions process, contact us at: Ops@cmslsj.org (347) 696-0042
MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATION:
The Charter School For Law and Social Justice
Temporary Space 2025 - 2026 121 East 177th Street, Bronx NY 10453
Permanent Location 2026 200 W Tremont, Bronx NY 10453
