Have Some Safe Halloween Fun at Chuck E. Cheese

Halloween 2020 is looking like it is going to be a little bit different than Halloweens of the past. But if you are anything like me, you are doing everything you can to make the 2020 holiday seem as normal as you can. While many events have been canceled and trick or treating is up in the air, there is one event that has saved Halloween for my family – the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular.

I am happy to tell Halloween-loving families that you can safely celebrate all things spooky and fun at Chuck E. Cheese this year! They have made it possible for families to dress up in costume, play, dance, trick or treat, and eat without being afraid. The scariest thing about it is that the fun ends after October.

Read on to see why this is a must-do for families this October!

All the Chuck E. Cheese Fun You Love, Plus Spooky Entertainment

The reason Chuck E. Cheese is still just as popular as when you were a kid is because it is still just as fun! Chuck E. Cheese has everything kids love – arcade games, pizza, characters, and music. And, they have amped up the fun for Halloween! For example, there is un-spooky Halloween décor, photo spots, and free treat bags filled with candy, stickers, and other fun surprises for every kid in a costume.

My family had a blast! I already know it will be the most memorable thing we do this Halloween and an event we will never forget. Here’s why.

At the Boo-Tacular, all of your kid’s favorite characters join in a new show: Mr. Munch's Monster Mash-Up featuring Chuck E.'s Boo-tastic Dance. In addition to being Halloween-themed, they have also included special social distancing content for this year. Your kids will be able to safely dance along while spaced six feet apart (or more).

The fun doesn’t stop there! For Boo-Tacular, evening weekend guests get to enjoy DJ Munch’s Glow Party. Starting at 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays in October, the lights are dimmed, and the glow party begins! The $14.99 entrance fee includes special glow gear in their treat bag – glow bracelets and glow tattoos. Guests attending the Glow Party also get to visit three touchless trick or treat stations.

Pumpkin Pizzas and More on a Special Halloween Menu

Kids love pizza, but you know what they love even more? Pumpkin-shaped pepperoni pizza with a Jack-O-Lantern smile! While we thought the pumpkin pizza was super fun, my family really loved the Halloween-themed desserts on the menu, like the Dippin' Dots® Eye Scream, Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, and the candy corn cotton candy. The special menu made it feel like a festive party.

Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular: Safe Not Scary

2020 has been scary, but I am happy to say the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular is safe and not at all scary. During our visit, I was so impressed with how they are managing the safety of their guests. We really felt they went above and beyond. Here is a list of the ways they are keeping guests safe during this strange time:

• Temperature checks taken upon entrance

• All guests asked to wear their masks

• Hand sanitizing stations throughout

• All games are spaced out

• Team members sanitize all play and dining areas as well as restrooms continuously

• In-store contactless payments

Plus, Chuck E. Cheese has also installed upgraded hospital-grade air-filters at each of their open locations and is limiting capacity.

Safety is a top priority when it comes to deciding which Halloween events my family will attend, and Chuck E. Cheese did a fantastic job of making this mom feel safe and worry less.

Staying In? Party at Home with Chuck E. Cheese and KIDZ BOP

We had so much fun that my girls are already asking to go back. I think it is time to let some other families enjoy the in-store fun, but I have big plans to get a Boo-tacular Family Party Package to celebrate all over again at home. The package includes:

• Two large one-topping pizzas, a Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, two treat bags each including $5 in games to use on your next visit, as well as a free KIDZ BOP® Halloween activity sheet and glow in the dark temporary tattoos to enjoy at home for just $39.99.

Chuck E. Cheese is going out of their way to make sure families can enjoy the same level of fun while at home, even offering interactive activities, videos, crafts, and more through their website. Plus, they are pairing up with another favorite for my kids – KIDZ BOP! With this combo, you get all the pizza party fun + Halloween + KIDZ BOP entertainment.

Like I said, Chuck E. Cheese saved Halloween!

Fall is Not Canceled. Here’s Some Fall Fun for Families.

Fall officially begins next week, but it feels a little weird. The coronavirus has made distinguishing between seasons a little more difficult. And, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed by the traditional fall activities the pandemic has canceled.

But, I’m trying to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. After spending time thinking about it, I realized that Fall is not canceled. Sure, there are some things that will be paused in 2020, but most of the things I love about fall are still happening. For instance, no one and nothing will get in the way of my fall fashion. Bring on all the cute boots and cozy cardigans!

So, fellow fall-loving moms, here’s some fall fun for families during the pandemic.

Decorate for Fall

Take time this weekend to pull out all your fall décor and get busy decorating. Let fall explode all over your mantle and front porch. This year, the more, the merrier!

Apples Galore

A great social distancing activity for families is apple picking. Apple orchards plenty of space for families to spread out and not get close to others. Not only is apple picking a fun traditional fall activity, but you reap the rewards of your hard work. Bring home your bushel of apples and make apple pies and caramel apples.

Go Outside

The reason why fall is a favorite season for so many people is because of the weather. It is not too hot or too cold, which makes it the best time of year to spend time outside. In addition to apple picking, take the family hiking for some social distancing fun. Take a road trip to see the leaves change color. Check to see if any nearby farms are offering social distanced corn mazes.

Drink It Up

Another reason we love fall is for all the seasonal beverages. Go ahead and drink your fill of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Oktoberfest fest, and apple ciders.

Cheer on Your Favorite Team

Yes, it is disappointing that you can’t go to a stadium and tailgate before your favorite team plays. But, you can still watch at home from the comfort of your living room! Wear your jersey, paint your face, and yell like you are there with them. (Don’t forget to make your favorite tailgate foods.)

Pumpkin Fun

Fall isn’t fall without pumpkins. Guess what? Pumpkins are still available even during a pandemic! Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out your favorites. Then, have a pumpkin carving party with your family.

Get Spooked

Halloween festivities are still up in the air, but even if your city cancels trick-or-treating, Halloween can’t be canceled! You just may have to celebrate it differently this year. You can still get dressed up in costumes, give your kids way too much candy, and watch scary movies on TV. Plus, many places are getting creative and offering social distanced activities like drive-thru haunted houses and drive-in movie showings of classic horror films.

The Empire State Building Observatory: A Fun & Safe NYC Family Outing

Has your family ever visited the Empire State Building? Even if you call NYC home, visiting the Empire State Building and taking in the 360° views from the classic viewfinders is a right of passage. Towards the end of 2019, the Empire State Building started showing off the $165 million renovations that took four years to complete.

Unfortunately, like everything else, the pandemic caused tours to shut down. But, the doors have reopened! My family recently had a chance to tour the Empire State Building and visit the 86th floor observatory. Trust me - you are going to want to get tickets ASAP!

At the Empire State Building, Even Waiting is Fun

Let’s be honest. Waiting in lines is generally no fun at all. That’s why I was unsure how a visit to the Empire State Building would go with my kids. 4 million people visit each year, so I felt justified in my waiting worries.

Well, I was wrong. At the Empire State Building, even waiting is fun! A huge part of the renovation was done to the waiting lobby. What this means for families is there is a lot of fun things to keep you occupied if you have to wait to go up to the observation deck. It is really well thought out, with every little section having something fun – even the elevators!

Here’s even more good news – you can purchase an Express Pass to the 86th Floor and skip all the waiting! I only recommend this pass if you have already done the regular 86th floor tour that includes visiting the 2nd floor interactive galleries and exhibits though. The wait time is worth it for all the cool things your family gets to see.

The Empire State Building Takes Your Safety Seriously

During this time, my family is being picky about the places we go to. As a mom, I want to be sure the places we go to are safe. I am happy to report that the Empire State Building is taking safety seriously. I couldn’t help but notice on our tour how clean everything was. In addition to routine cleaning, they have implemented frequent high touch area cleaning and each night the entire observatory space is sprayed with an electrostatic disinfectant.

They have also reduced capacity to less than 50%, so it is very easy to practice social distancing, and they use social distance markers. Plus, all tour hosts are wearing personal protective equipment (masks, face shields, and gloves).

I was also super impressed to learn that part of the renovations included installing a state-of-the-art air purification system which improves air quality and reduces the risk of virus transmission.

The 86th Floor Observatory and Beyond

The reason 4 million people head to the Empire State Building every year is because you get unprecedented views of New York City. Located in the heart of Manhattan, you can view all of New York City from the 86th floor observatory – and up to six other states! There’s a reason that the Empire State Building is both the most photographed building in the world and the most popular destination for Uber riders. And, naturally, the ideal spot to get the perfect Insta pic.

A Social Distancing Tour for Everyone

While the amazing views are enough to make everyone in your family happy, the tour offers fun for all ages. The 2nd floor waiting area has several interesting exhibits that satisfy kids, parents, and grandparents. For example, the new King Kong exhibit was a huge hit with my kids. I loved the theater that bears witness to the Empire State Building in pop culture and all the photos of celebrities visiting the Empire State Building. My husband loved to see the historical photos on display from New York City in the 1920s and 1930s (including photos from the construction of the famous building).

In addition to museum-quality exhibits, they offer a free self-guided tour for guests with tickets. You simply use their free guest Wi-Fi to enjoy this audio tour. Again, it makes waiting to head to the 86th observatory deck a breeze. With so much to check out, my girls didn’t even realize they were waiting!

What You Need to Know Before You Visit the Empire State Building

To keep everyone safe and make sure all families have a wonderful time, here are some things you need to know before you go:

• Admission is by appointment only. Reservations are now required.

• Prices start at $42 for adults and $36 for children. The ticket price includes the 2nd floor exhibits and interactive galleries, and the free audio tour.

• Masks (or facial coverings) are required by law.

• Your temperature will be checked upon arrival. If it is above 100.4°F, you will be denied entry.

7 Fun and Safe Social Distancing Outdoor Activities for NYC Families

Things may not be quite back to normal, but there are still plenty of ways to have some summer fun with your family! This summer may be a bit more laid back in terms of big adventures, but there are plenty of little adventures around NYC that are perfect for families. Check out this list of 7 fun and safe social distancing outdoor activities for families.

Bike with the Fam

My girls love their bikes! Like most things, I have a feeling this is going to be something they eventually outgrow. So, we’re being intentional about going on bike rides as a family. Whether we bike around our neighborhood or hit up one of the off the road bike trails around NYC, it is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time together.

Go to a Drive-In Movie

We sure are missing going to the movie theatre as a family, but COVID-19 has brought back the thrill of going to a drive-in movie! Drive-ins are excellent for social distancing. You stay in your own vehicle, control the volume, and enjoy new releases on the big screen. Check out Skyline Drive-In NYC to see what is playing.

Hunt for the Best Ice Cream

Eating in restaurants is still a little challenging, but finding ice cream is not. Spend the summer visiting different ice cream shops around NYC to hunt for the best one. Many of these ice cream shops offer outdoor or patio seating.

Pick Fruit

According to Mommy Poppins, “Juicy blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are usually in season from July through the end of August near NYC, and some farms even have a second crop of raspberries that ripen later in the summer.” And there are plenty of places to do some social-distance fruit picking near NYC.

Glamp Under the Stars

If your family is feeling bummed that you had to cancel your summer vacation, surprise them by taking them Glamping on Governors Island. Glamping is camping elevated for those families who like the finer things in life (like air conditioning). Even though Governor’s Island is still closed to the public, guests take a complimentary private water taxi to the campsite on the island. You’ll experience the city in a brand-new way while maintaining social distance.

Visit State Parks

If you are staying in the city throughout the summer, try to visit some of the nearby state parks. In addition to exploring a new park, many of the parks offer great activities for families, such as hiking and kayaking. Use TimeOut’s guide to the best hiking trails for NYC families to explore to help get you started on your outdoor adventures.

Drive Through a Zoo

We sure have missed seeing our favorite zoo animals, so I was thrilled to hear Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey has opened its wild safari to the public. Your family can see over 1200 wild animals from your car window!

Plus, many of the public pools in NYC will start reopening this month. Thankfully, there is no evidence that shows COVID-19 can spread through pools. Just be sure to practice social distancing around the pool areas!  

Why Your Family Needs a Staycation

My followers know how much I love to travel. I mean, I LOVE TO TRAVEL. Traveling is an essential part of who I am. But, what may surprise you is that I also a good staycation. Just in case you don’t know – a staycation is a vacation spent where you live. Since my family is lucky enough to call NYC home, a staycation is super easy to pull off.

We had our own little staycation this past weekend and got to stay at the fabulous WestHouse Hotel in NYC. It was just what we needed after the busyness of the new year and before the start of actual vacation traveling. We feel relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on the weeks until Spring Break.

Today I’m sharing just some of the reasons why your family also needs a staycation.

Less Money

Let’s be honest. Traveling is expensive. Many families have to budget all year to go on one family vacation in the summer. Plus, if you are traveling to a destination you can’t get to by car, you have to pay for your hotel and flight tickets. With a staycation, you have the option to stay in your own home or splurge and stay in a hotel in your own city. You will save tons of money simply by not having to fly.

Less Stress

Family vacations typically require a ton of planning. And, even with all the best planning, traveling with kids is still stressful. When you choose a staycation, you will be much less stressed. You don’t have to worry about getting everyone from here to there or what will happen if one of the kids gets sick.

Less Packing

Another bonus of a staycation is that it involves much less packing. If you choose to stay at your own home, it means no packing at all! Hooray! If you do opt to stay at a local hotel or resort, then you still don’t have to pack as much as usual because you don’t have to worry about “forgetting something.” Even if you do forget something, you can go home to get it.

Less Busy

Possibly the biggest perk of a staycation is that it is much less busy. When my family travels, we want to do it all, which means we stay busy from morning to night. Our schedule is jam-packed. With a staycation, you can set a totally different pace. You can pick and choose just the things you want to do because there is no pressure to do it all. As a result, you will have a much more relaxed vacation.

Less New

And finally, there will be less “new” that you feel like you have to do. As I mentioned, when we travel, we want to make sure we try everything. But, there is something nice about taking time just to do the things you really love. For example, during a staycation, you can visit all your old favorites around town that you haven’t gotten to in a while.

When’s the last time you had a staycation? What did you do? Let me know in the comments!

Fun Ways for Families to Celebrate Leap Day

Did you know that tomorrow is Leap Day? February 29th is the one day we get once every four years or every Leap Year. The History Channel explains, “Put simply, these additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure that it stays in line with the Earth’s movement around the Sun. While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for Earth to orbit its star is slightly longer—roughly 365.2421 days.”

Since this day only occurs every four years, it is important to use your extra day wisely! Today, I’m listing a few ways your family can take a leap and make this Leap Day extra special.

Build a 4-Year Time Capsule

A quick, easy way to celebrate Leap Day is to build a 4-year time capsule. For example, I plan to have my daughters write a little note to their future selves (their 4-year future selves, that is). Then, we will put in a family picture of us and some other things that we think we will want to remember in four years. Just remember to make a note of wherever you hide your time capsule so you can find it on February 29, 2024!

Play Leapfrog

Do you remember playing leapfrog as a kid? Leap Day is the perfect time to play a few silly rounds of leapfrog with your family. Or, head to a park if it is warm enough and practicing leapfrogging over various park structures.

Read Leap Day Themed Books

Another easy way to simply acknowledge this extra day of the year is to read books about it. Check out all the book suggestions on Leap Year Day to help you find one to read with your family.

Watch a Leap Day Movie

Depending on your kids’ ages, choose a Leap Day-themed movie to watch as a family. For younger audiences, there is the movie Leap! For older audiences, you may enjoy the romantic comedy Leap Year (rated PG) starring Amy Adams.

Bake Leap Day Treats

Of course, whenever there is a holiday, it is always a great excuse to bake some treats. Get your kids to help you in the kitchen while you bake special Lead Day cookies or cupcakes.

Visit a Trampoline Park

Another fun way to celebrate this special day is to head to a place where you can literally leap! Since it falls on a Saturday, this is a wonderful time for your family to finally check out that local bounce house or trampoline park. See who can leap the farthest and the highest!

Take a Big Leap of Courage

Finally, consider making this Leap Day a day when you do something that takes a big leap of courage. Maybe this is something for work or your family. Or maybe it is just about conquering a specific fear. Go big! For example, go bungee jumping, take a ride in a hot air balloon, or visit an indoor skydiving venue.

What do you plan to do to celebrate Leap Day with your family?

Why a Disney Cruise is Worth Every Penny

Over fall break, my family went on the Disney Fantasy Cruise. It. Was. Amazing! I know people often wonder if the price you pay for a Disney cruise in comparison to other family-friendly cruises is worth it. I am here to tell you that hands-down, a Disney Cruise is worth every penny! By the time you finish reading about our over-the-top cruise, you will want to start saving your pennies.

Spacious Staterooms

Many families avoid cruises because they dread being stuck in a teeny tiny cabin on a ship with their whole family. This is not the case with a Disney Cruise. Not only is there so much to do on the ship that you will practically never be in the room, but their staterooms are spacious and very (very) nice. Our family has traveled and stayed at exclusive all-inclusive resorts, and this Disney Cruise stateroom was just as nice.

Outstanding Ports of Call

Part of the fun of going on any cruise is getting to travel to different destinations within the same week. Plus, this is such a fun way to start filling up your kids’ passports!

But what makes Disney’s ports of call stand out from other cruise lines is that you can visit Disney’s own private island – Castaway Cay! It is what dreams are made of!

We also visited Virgin Gorda in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Secret Harbour Beach in St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). They were both beautiful. Visiting these islands felt like stepping into the perfect beach postcard.

Character Greetings Galore

If you think going on a Disney Cruise means you will see a few characters, you are wrong. You will not see just a few – you will see a ton! It is like Disney Character Greetings overload! My girls were thrilled to get to meet so many of their favorite characters. For those of you who travel to Disney World, you understand how challenging it can be to ride all the rides and get to meet with many characters. This is not the case on a Disney cruise (as my pictures show).

Delicious Dining

One of the best perks of going on a cruise is having someone else do all the cooking. And those doing the cooking on a Disney cruise are doing an excellent job! The food on the cruise is delicious, and they have various options. For example, my husband and I enjoyed an amazing meal at the restaurant PALO, which is an adult-only Italian restaurant. We also loved the chocolate covered strawberries we had from the Sweet on You Café.

Fantastic Entertainment

It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise if it didn’t include signature Disney entertainment. We were truly blown away by the entertainment options on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, like the Aladdin Musical show. It was a quality show with wonderful actors, musicians, and dancers that entertained the whole family.

Disney World Fun at Sea

As a huge Disney World fan, I was thrilled to discover some of my favorite Disney Parks options were also available on the Fantasy Cruise. For example, the cruise ship has a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and offers a Royal Tea with Princesses. Since you typically dress up for meals and pictures on a cruise, these options are perfect for families with little princesses.

The Amazing AquaDuck

Cruise ships keep getting cooler and cooler. And, the Disney Fantasy is one of the coolest! It has the first “water coaster” at sea. It is called the AquaDuck, and it is so much fun! This crazy fun water slide takes riders up, down, and around the side of the cruise ship, offering wild views and a wild time. But that’s not all. At night, the AquaDuck comes alive with multicolored lights making for the most fun water slide ever!

Fun for Adults Too!

I’ve heard many parents say they are hesitant to go on a Disney Cruise because it is clearly geared towards children. While Disney Cruises are designed to be family-friendly, they are not just for kids. There are tons of things that are just for adults, such as the Senses Spa and the adults-only pool area.

Plus, many parents find their kids want to spend large amounts of time in the Oceaneer Lab (Disney Cruise’s youth program) away from their parents. Plus, the Disney Fantasy offers a childcare center and nursery. The Disney Cruise makes it very easy for parents to enjoy some kid-free time on their vacation.

The Absolute Best Customer Service

I don’t know if I have ever been more impressed with the quality of customer service as I was during our time on Disney Fantasy. It was amazing! Seriously, it was the best customer service we have ever experienced! From the time we arrived to board the ship until we said our final goodbyes, we were treated like guests of honor (even though we were on a ship full of people). They went out of their way to make sure every guest was having a wonderful time.

Magical Memories

Finally, I don’t think I can put a price on the magical memories we made on the Disney Fantasy. As someone once said, “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” While on the Disney cruise, we laughed and had fun together as a family. We watched our girls light up when they met their favorite characters and fall asleep soundly each night with the help of pixie dust. Our Disney Cruise truly was an experience “where dreams came true.”

Family-Friendly Things to Do in This Season of Spooky Fun

With October’s arrival, the spooky fun can begin! If your family loves Halloween, you will be happy to find there are tons of Halloween events that are not-too-scary for even the youngest kiddos happening all around New York City all month long. Today, I am highlighting the many different ways New York City families can celebrate Halloween during October.

Trick or Treat

The first (and most obvious) way NYC families can celebrate Halloween is to get dressed up in costumes and go trick or treating. If your neighborhood or apartment building isn’t Halloween-friendly, take your kids to a trick or treat event such as Trick or Treat at the Terminal at Grand Central Station.

Halloween Parties

Throughout the month of October, there are several Halloween parties for kids, including the Hip Hop Halloween Celebration (October 12th, Rockaway Queens) and the Halloween Boo Bash (October 31st, Randall’s Island).

Halloween Parades

New Yorkers love parades, so we take any excuse to throw one – including Halloween! There are numerous Halloween-themed parades beginning this weekend and continuing until October 31st. Families can enjoy the 34th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade or the Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade.

Harvest Festivals

With the cooler temperatures, the autumnal colors, and the pumpkins, the month of October is the ideal time to celebrate fall. And what better way than a traditional fall festival? NYC families will have their pick of harvest festivals in their communities. Typically, these festivals include food, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.

Pet-Friendly Halloween Events

If you have a dog, then you definitely should take advantage of the dog-friendly Halloween events happening around NYC, such as the Halloween Howl & Healthy Hound Fair and the 21st Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest. Even if you do not have a dog, these events are fun to attend because you get to see all these adorable dogs in costumes.

Events All About Pumpkins

If your favorite thing about Halloween is all the jack o’ lanterns, then take your kids to check out the intricately carved and decorated pumpkins at the Spooky Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanic Gardens taking place all month long. PS. This is the perfect place for Insta-worthy pics! If you are a pumpkin carving pro, then consider entering your carved pumpkin in the 5th Annual Carved Pumpkin Contest in Tribeca.

Boo at the Zoo

An annual family favorite is Boo at the Zoo happening at Bronx Zoo weekends all month long through November 3rd. This fun event includes a little of everything – trick or treating, pumpkin carving, entertainment, storytime, and more.

Host Your Own Kid-Friendly Halloween Party

Last but not least, consider hosting your own kid-friendly Halloween party. I think these are one of the easiest parties to host because the kids are happy just to be dressed up in costumes, so you don’t have to do too much entertaining! Plus, the rules about healthy eating are forgotten for one night only.

For more specific NYC events for families, check out Mommy Poppins Halloween Event and Activities Guide.

10 Awesome August Events for Families in NYC

August has arrived, which means summer will be over before we know it. So, we’d better do our best to enjoy every last minute we have! Thankfully, there is tons of fun things to do in NYC for families this month – everything from delicious food events to outdoor carnivals. You can even go ahead and visit the nearby apple orchards and stock up before fall.

Today, I am highlight 10 family-friendly NYC happenings in August, so get your calendar ready!

Restaurant Week

As a foodie, you know I am super pumped for Restaurant Week 2019. Running from July 22—Aug 16th, Restaurant Week offers deals at over 370 restaurants with prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. TimeOut has a guide for places to take the kids during Restaurant Week.

Manhattan’s Summer Streets

Saturdays in August mean car-free days in Manhattan where families are encouraged to use other means of travel (i.e., bikes, scooters) for a 7-mile stretch. Along this route, there are rest stops with family-friendly activities.

Bronx Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari

If you haven’t taken the family to Dinosaur Safari at the Bronx Zoo, make plans to visit before this exhibit closes in early November. Your kids will love seeing the 40 animatronic dinosaurs and the fossil dig.

Photo: Alliance for Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition

Sand Sculpting Contest

The 29th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition will take place on August 17th at the Coney Island Beach. These sand sculptures are incredible and totally worth the trip!

Fly NYC

For a more laidback family adventure, check out FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival on Saturday, August 17th at Riverside Park. If you don’t have a kite of your own, kite kits are provided until they run out.

Photo: NYC-ARTS

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

This weekend, head to Queens for the amazing Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Your family will marvel at the custom-made boats and enjoy cultural favorites (i.e., music, demonstrations, food, and bubble tea).

Hercules in Central Park

The Disney version of Hercules is being performed in Central Park in the evenings from August 31st – September 4th. Not only will kids love this live theater experience, but parents will appreciate that it is FREE!

Smorgasburg

Back to food again, because, of course! Smorgasburg is held Saturdays and Sundays during August in Prospect Park. You can try a wide variety of dishes and treats.

Richmond County Fair

Take the family to an old-fashion county fair (and Staten Island’s one and only) from August 31st to September 2nd. This is a wonderful way to send out summer.

Summer Outdoor Movies

Families have tons of options for free outdoor movies this summer in NYC. Check out this list of outdoor movies in NYC from the New York Times and make plans to get there early!

Photo: Whitney Browne of YYDC on Battery Dance Festival

Battery Dance Festival

Make plans to spend time at New York’s longest-running dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival will be held August 11th – 16th at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park.

Which NYC event are you most looking forward to enjoying with your family this month? Let me know in the comments!

Fun Things for NYC Families to Do This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is Monday, May 27th. For New York families, this gives us one long weekend to help us make it through the rest of the school year until summer break begins. Since the last month of school is always crazy, I like to find something fun for my family to do over the holiday. However, with all the busyness at the end of the school year, I also don’t want to push myself or my daughters by doing anything too big. With that being said, I’d like to share with you some ideas that will make celebrating Memorial Day easy and fun.

Support the Armed Forces at Fleet Week

Photo: Military News

Since Memorial Day is the national holiday to honor those who have served in the United States military, look for ways you can support those currently serving and honor those who have died serving. One way to recognize the military is to attend one of the many Fleet Week events taking place from May 22nd – 27th. Little ones will love seeing all the men and women in uniform as well as the opportunity to tour the ship and meet NASA astronauts.

Check Out Governor’s Island

Photo: Governor’s Island

If your family has never visited the 43-acre park known as Governor’s Island, Memorial Day weekend is a perfect time. During this holiday weekend, they offer several events that are family-friendly. Plus, it is a cool way to see the city.

See a Parade

Photo: Rove

Over Memorial Day weekend, you have tons of options for seeing a parade. Again, this is a great way to honor the holiday for reasons beyond the start of summer since the parades celebrate the military. If there is not a Memorial Day parade in your area of New York, you can always make plans to applaud the soldiers at the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade.

Head to the Beach

Photo: NYC Parks

For many, Memorial Day is not complete without a visit to the beach. Fortunately, NYC families can get to a beach – though it may be a crowded one on Memorial Day. As long as you mentally prepare for the crowds and have abundant patience, then a visit to Coney Island or Rockaway Beach is a fun way to celebrate the holiday and get excited about summer vacation. If the weather does not cooperate with all your fun outdoor plans, then head to the New York Aquarium. You’ll be inside, but you can still get that ocean-feeling!

Take a Last-Minute Trip

Last but not least, it is not too late to plan a short family getaway over the long weekend. You can visit my family’s favorite – Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resorts. Plus, Hershey, Pennsylvania is a great family-friendly destination for this time of year. It is home to Hershey Park (naturally) where chocolate is celebrated, but it is also close to the Crayola Experience.

If you are wanting a little more grown-up but still kid-friendly, consider the Mohonk Mountain House, in New Paltz, New York. This is an all-inclusive clifftop resort with tons of family-friendly activities.

What is your family planning to do this Memorial Day weekend?