Archive for September, 2010

Kids too young to see The Social Network? Start a social network of your own, one play date at a time.

Hear
Tom Chapin
Catch Target’s family-friendly concert by the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter whose music spans multiple generations. Chapin, a former Brooklyn public school kid, has added a body of children’s songs to his 30-year career.
When: Sun. 10/3, 2pm; Ages 5+: $7.
Where: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Walk Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Road, 718-951-4500, brooklyncenteronline.org.

Do
Planetary Vacation
Inquisitive kids will learn about the solar system through a hands-on interactive science show at AMNH that answers questions about the universe, and searches for the elusive Dr. Nebula.
When: Sat. 10/2, 2pm; Ages 4+; $10/Kids, $12/Adults.
Where: Kaufmann Theater, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West & 79^th St., amnh.org.

See
How Rocket Learns to Read
Local author Tad Hills (of the Duck and Goose books) reads from his new book about a pet that learns to love reading. The charming title character is inspired by Hills’ own family dog.
When: Sat. 10/2, 10:30am; Free.
Where: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn, 718-246-0200, abookstoreinbrooklyn.blogspot.com.

Travel
Mighty Mites and Tiny Tots at Boca Raton Resort
Got a budding Serena or Rafa on your hands? Take a break to the sixth borough: Florida’s Boca Raton Resort & Club, a top-rated tennis resort, recently introduced tennis programs for ages 3-4 and 5-7. Kids will learn the basic elements through fun tennis-related drills and games.
When: Through December 18; Rates start at $149/night.
Where: 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL, 561-447-3141, bocaresort.com.

Shop
Rabbitmoon
The stylish kiddy brand for boys, girls and gifts recently launched an online shop for newborn to age 4. Shop fall styles and get free ground shipping through November 8.
Where: rabbitmoon-usa.com.

Ever noticed that your kid is dressed even better than you are? The local stroller and preschool sets really step up when it comes to cutting a figure, and this fall is no exception.

To get a better handle on some of this season’s biggest back-to-school kiddie trends, we consulted the experts. Stylesight is an NYC-based firm that forecasts worldwide trends before most of us even see them. Here’s what the children’s editors, Khalym Schell and Nicole Yee, report will be big for little ones across the city:

Geek Chic
With one eye on the Ivy League, even the tiniest tots are into collegiate looks with a hipster edge. Tailored, preppy pieces like blazers, crewneck sweaters, layered jumper dresses and cuffed pants (similar to a school uniform) are popular everyday clothes. For important play dates, retro-inspired athletic tees, anoraks and varsity hoodies are big hits.

A Little Bit Country
Country prints like plaids, gingham checks and liberty florals are showing up on pint-sized barn jackets, embroidered knit tops, cotton tunics and oversized sweaters. These looks are best worn layered — let kids have fun and be playful with this trend.

World Explorers
Young jetsetters with a hippie spirit are digging bright hues and a medley of Fair Isle patterns, ethnic and animal prints, and lots of faux fur for girls. For the urban jungle, safari-inspired khaki jackets and pants rule. Or simply throw on a graphic tee emblazoned with wild animals like lions and tigers.

Glam Rockers
Little punks are getting a bit more dressed up in bow ties, tuxedo blouses and ruffled skirts mixed with skinny jeans, jeggings and leggings. Distressed denim with wear-and-tear details means they can still be rough on their clothes and look cool, too.

For more information, visit Stylesight’s blog Small Talk.

Staying in town after a whirlwind summer? Remember why you heart NY with an afternoon outing.

Do
Dumbo Arts Festival
Scope out the waterfront scene as hundreds of local and international artists descend on Brooklyn for a three-day fest. Browse the vendors and enjoy the parks, then stay for family-friendly events like morning yoga, kite flying and storytelling.
When: Fri. 9/24-Sun. 9/26, 10am-6pm; All ages; Free.
Where: 45 Main St. (and surrounding area), Brooklyn, dumboartsfestival.com.

See
Calpulli Danza Mexicana
Enjoy joyous dance and thrilling live music that captures the passion and essence of Mexico.
When: Sun. 9/26, 3pm; $27/Adults, $15/Students.
Where: Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, queenstheatre.org.

Eat
Cupcakes for a Cause
Snack on a special sweet at select bakeries throughout the city (Amy’s Bread, Butter Lane, CupcakeStop and many others) to help raise funds for CancerCare for Kids.
When: Through Sun. 9/26.
Where: Find a list of participating bakeries at cupcakesforacause.org.

Shop
Belly Bowl
Ready for some football? Whether you’re a Jets or Giants fan, kick off the season in A Pea in the Pod’s new maternity collection of official NFL tees.
Where: Destination Maternity, 57^th & Madison, destinationmaternity.com.

Kids usually don’t choose fruit over, say, ice cream. But health-conscious parents will be happy with a cool new compromise for dessert.

Simply Peeled on the UES specializes in a tasty frozen treat with just three essential ingredients — real fruit, filtered water and organic cane sugar. This soft-serve style Fruzio rivals your favorite fro-yo in four flavors (apple, banana, mango and strawberry) with plenty of options for toppings. Plus it’s non-dairy, and free of fat and high-fructose corn syrup — a small cup clocks in at less than 90 calories. Two of the partners are parents themselves, and know how to cater to kids — the family-friendly stop is brightly decorated with welcoming tables that lend the feeling of a fancy fruit stand, and fruity temporary tattoos are on hand to continue the push toward healthy snacks.

It’s berrylicious.

Simply Peeled, 1371 Third Ave. at 78th St., 212-794-2200, simplypeeled.com.

So much for Indian summer: Get your autumn in gear with a flock of fall happenings.

Hear
The Fuzzy Lemons & Rocknoceros
Party with two family-friendly bands that come together for a rockin’ back-to-pre-school bash. Sing and dance to a variety of music styles, laugh-out-loud lyrics and memorable melodies little ones will love.
When: Sun. 9/19, 11am; All ages; $10.
Where: Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Ave. (at Havemayer), Williamsburg, bk.knittingfactory.com.

Do
Getting Organized
Let the kids play while professional organizer Maeve Richmond gives parents tips on how to reduce clutter, maximize space and streamline family routines.
When: Sun. 9/19, 10am-12pm; Free with Play Area visit.
Where: City Treehouse, 129A West 20th St., citytreehouse.com.

Visit
Scandinavian Sing-Along
Let Danish musicians Anne Mette Iversen and Vibe Normann give kids a little culture, as they introduce children to English versions of Scandinavian songs and musical games.
When: Sat. 9/18, 1pm; Ages 1-7; $7 (call for reservations).
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. at 38th St, 212-847-9740, scandinaviahouse.org.

Shop
Jacadi Sample Sale
Deal of the day: Get major discounts on Parisian-chic kiddie wear.
When: Thurs. 9/16, 10am-6pm.
Where: 261 West 36th St., 2nd floor (bet. 7th & 8th Ave.), clothingline.com.

Autumn in New York is nesting season, which for expectant parents (and judging by the explosion of pregnant women on the city streets in August, there are plenty out there) means it’s time to decorate the nursery.

September is Baby Safety Month, a program sponsored by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) to promote awareness — this year the focus is on safe sleeping. So before you outfit the baby’s new digs (or convert the walk-in closet into a bedroom), check out these helpful tips.

Your crib should be placed away from windows, draperies, blinds or wall-mounted decorative accessories with long cords.

Toys and other pillow-like items should not be placed in the crib with babies under 1 year of age. These items can cause suffocation risks.

Products such as fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, pillow-like bumpers and stuffed animals should be removed from the crib and should be used for decoration only.

If you choose to use bumper pads, avoid those that are pillow-like and once baby can stand, remove them from the crib.

Remove quilts and other bedding before putting baby to bed. Consider hanging your quilt or decorative blanket on the wall as art.

For more JPMA safety tips, visit babysafetymonth.org.

Summer may be over, but take advantage of a little family fun to beat the fall blues.

Go
JCC Open House
Stop in for a glimpse of kid and parent-friendly classes. Try the Music for Aardvarks & Rock a Baby Concert (10-11am, ages 1-7), Movin’ Mamas bootcamp for moms and their crawling-age babies (10:30-11:30am), or the Kids Sports Expo (11am-12:30pm, ages 1-8).
When: Sun. 9/12, 10am-12:30pm; Free.
Where: JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th St., 646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org.

See
Books to Film for Children
As part of the Brooklyn Book Festival, see a series of short films based on children’s books, followed by a Q&A.
When: Sat. 9/11, 10:30; Ages 2-6; $12/Adults, $9/Kids. Check the schedule for additional kid-friendly workshops and readings throughout the weekend.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, brooklynbookfestival.org.

Hear
The Deedle Deedle Dees
A family-friendly rock-n-roll variety show comes to The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.
When: Sat. 9/11, 11am; Ages 2+: $10-$20.
Where: Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Ave., 347-529-6696, bk.knittingfactory.com.

Shop
Fashion’s Night Out at Destination Maternity
Join the glitterati in midtown, as Heidi Klum previews her Fall 2010 collections, Lavish by Heidi Klum for A Pea in the Pod and Loved by Heidi Klum for Motherhood Maternity, from 6:30-8:30pm. Plus, see inspiring exhibitions of maternity fashion from the 1950s to today, and enjoy moctails and hors d’oeuvres. 
When: Fri. 9/10, 6-11pm; Free.
Where: Destination Maternity, 57th St. & Madison Ave, RSVP at 212-246-2977, destinationmaternity.com.

Fashion’s Night Out at Baby CZ
Browse the classic kids’ styles, sip a little bubbly and enter to win a cashmere shopping spree.
When: Fri. 9/10
Where: Baby CZ, 820 Madison Ave. (bet. 68th & 69th St.), 212-288-8030, babycz.com.

Say goodbye to New York City’s hottest summer on record (since 1869!) and chillax. Let’s hope Hurricane Earl doesn’t put too much of a damper on this holiday weekend.

See
Kid Flix Mix 2010
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Head to the IFC Center to catch a mix of animated and musical shorts from around the world. Kid Flix Mix includes faves from festivals past: Lost and Found, Hedgehug, Aston’s Stones, Mermaid Booo and more.(Films are in English)
When: Sat.- Mon., 9/4-9/6 (as well as 9/18 & 9/19) at 11am. Tickets, $13 for adult & $9 for kids, are available at gkids.tv. (Ages 3-8)
Where: IFC Center, 323 6th Ave.

Party
Dorsel’s 4th B’day Celebration
John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean
at Books of Wonder
Cast members from Tartaglia’s black-light puppet, family musical show will be on hand at Books of Wonder on Saturday for Dorsel’s 4th b’day. Songs, dances, story time and a massive birthday cake are all part of this event. Families can enter a drawing to win four tickets to John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean. Enjoy extra savings on select books in honor of Books of Wonder’s 30th anniversary.
When: Sat., 9/4, noon-2pm. Free.
Where: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., 212-989-3270.

Go
Frog Prince
Galli Theater
A movement-inspired, fun adaptation of the Brother’s Grimm tale. (The frog’s got rubber gloves for ears.)
When: Sat. & Sun., 9/4 & 9/5, at 3pm. Visit gallitheaterny.com for tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for kids. (Ages 3 and up)
Where: Galli Theater, 38 W. 38th St. (bet. 5th and 6th Aves.), 3rd flr.

Do
Blooming Babies: Caribbean Carnival
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Kids can learn about the tradition of the Caribbean Labor Day Parade and view customary headdresses from different Caribbean islands. Junior will also be able to fashion her own headdress to take home.
When: Sat. & Sun., 9/4 & 9/5, at 11:30am. Free with museum admission. (Ages 18mos.-2.5 yrs.)
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., 718-735-4400.

Save
Groupon for Kidville (TODAY only!)
Get your Groupon and get $369 worth of Kidville classes, playspace passes and more for $65 at Groupon today only. Visit groupon.com/deals/kidville.
When: Today, 9/2.

Happy Labor Day!