Mommy Poppins - Get more out of NYC for kids -

Free Fun Friday: The International Yo-Yo Open, Outdoor Concerts and Cloud Gazing

Nina — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:01:02 -0700

Make the most of your weekend and explore some new places with this weekend's line-up of FREE events.

Learn to Walk the Dog - Old-school toys are still the best and what could be better than the yo-yo? Head over to the South Street Seaport this Saturday for the International Yo-Yo Open, presented by YoYoNation.com. You can see the world's best yo-yo players and soak up the entertainment, education, and eye-popping yo-yo ability. Festivities begin at 11AM. FREE.

Giveaway: Kiddie Cruise

Nina — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:09:03 -0700

Will you be happy when the summer ends or are you dreading it? Either way, the end of summer is a time to celebrate so why not have a last hoorah on us with this giveaway for four tickets to the NYC based Kiddie Cruise!

You will board your cruise ship and set sail for a three hour tour (actually its only two hours but I couldn't control myself from writing that line) on the Hudson and around the Statue of Liberty. The cruise ship which is called the Queen of Hearts, is a 3 level Louisiana-Style paddlewheel boat that is literally packed full of kiddie entertainment. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 8, expect lots of kid pleasers including face painting, balloon sculpting, arts and crafts, magic shows, children's performances, story telling, live music, raffles and yummy food for kids and adults.

Keep reading to find out how you can enter the giveaway.

Free Demo Classes For Kids Throughout NYC

Nina — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:33:48 -0700

I admit, I have a fear of Mommy and Me classes. I'm not sure how it started but every time the idea was batted around in my house I came up with a million excuses why it wouldn't work. But, now that my daughter is two and we are both sufficiently bored of the playground, I've come to realize it's time to take the plunge. Even better, I've realized that she is now old enough to take classes without me having to participate!

If you are anything like me, here is the perfect baby step - FREE demo classes. Before you shell out the money for a weekly class, why not try it out? We have compiled a super long list of FREE demo classes, most of which are held in August and September. From pottery to gymnastics to music to miming so you can see how you and your kid like the class before committing to an entire semester. Plus, a lot of these places have offered amazing discounts to Mommy Poppins readers if you do choose to sign up for the class. Keep reading to check out our list.

Day Trippin': Visit a Long Island Farm

Shea — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:34:15 -0700

For many, Long Island conjures up images of beaches, malls and traffic and not much else. But, Long Island is filled with hidden gems that have nothing to do with shopping or the sea (unfortunately traffic is always possible). Once a farming community, you can still find a lot of family farms throughout the Island and these days many have added pick-your-own fields, petting zoos, gourmet fresh markets, garden centers and kid activities. Each farm maintains its personal flavor, here are a few that are really worth the drive.

If you are looking to sink your hands into the soil or spend a day gorging on fruit, head to one of Long Islands many pick-your-own farms

Linkin B'logs: Lactavists, Stay-cations and What Not To Worry About

Nina — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:06:37 -0700

This week's hot tips and important stories for parents, so you can be the most-in-the-knowiest.

Stop Worrying, at least about a few things...I LOVE this article from the Times on 10 Things to Scratch From Your Worry List, including nitrates in hot dogs, carcinogenic cell phones and BPA in plastic bottles which they say is only a problem in really large doses. Call me crazy but I even started using my Nalgene again after reading this.

Lactavists on the A train- Gothamist reports on National Breast Feeding Week and a crew of lactavists who rode and nursed on the A train

Free Fun Friday: Family Events that are fun for Mom and Dad too

Anna — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:49:03 -0700

We all know you secretly sing along to Laurie Berkner, but that doesn't mean you don't occasionally enjoy real grown up entertainment. This week our family friendly activities really are fun for the whole family, focusing on stuff that the grown ups will enjoy for themselves, but we think cool NYC kids will love too.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. What a great way to set the stage and introduce your kids to Chinese culture and the Olympics! This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy two days of dragon dances, martial arts performances, and arts and crafts tent including Chinese calligraphy, rice doll making, paper cutting and other crafts. Plus of course the dragon boat races!

Here's the perfect family event, in my book:

Reader Tip: Free Outdoor Movies at Waterside Plaza

Anna — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:34:01 -0700

Reader, Bess, from Brooklyn gave us the heads up about yet another place to enjoy free family friendly outdoor movies this summer—Waterside Plaza. Waterside Plaza is the apartment complex/community east of the FDR in the 20s. It can be reached by the 25th Street footbridge over the highway or by taxi or bus at 23rd St.

In August there will be a series of movies, music and dancing on the plaza with views of the East River.

Movies are Monday nights at 8:30. Free popcorn and beverages are available. There is limited seating. You should bring your own folding chairs or blankets. Here's the line-up of free family friendly films:

Cool Mom Picks of the Month: The Best Gear, Toys and Accessories for Moms and Kids

Anna — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:57:04 -0700

I'm not a big "stuff" person, but when I do want to ogle, buy or dream about buying kid stuff, I turn to the site Cool Mom Picks where some super savvy moms select the most unique little things for babies, kids and moms. That's why I'm thrilled to announce that Cool Mom Picks is coming to Mommy Poppins. Check out what the girls have found for us this month:

Now your little monsters can make their own big monsters.

Four Excellent Summer Outings for NYC Kids

Anna — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:42:01 -0700

Mommy Poppins reader, Jodi Call, like many NYC parents, is sticking close to home this summer, but that doesn't mean she's not having a blast. With Mommy Poppins, and her friend Kara, as her guides, she's been on a quest with her son, Roan, to make this summer the Best Summer of His Life. (No pressure or anything.)

Lucky for us, she's reported back, sharing four of her best days so far this summer. Read on to hear about some of the great adventures they've been having, what's worked, what she will know better next time, and where the bathrooms were along the way. [Thanks, Jodi!]

Got a tip or suggestion you want to share? Send it in!.

Linkin B'Logs: Hot Air Balloon Rides, Burned Babies and New Kinds of Fun in New York City Parks

Anna — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:10:07 -0700

This week's hot tips and important stories for parents, so you can be the most-in-the-knowiest.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the original design of Central Park, you can take a hot air balloon ride to 30 feet above the park. The price is $25 per person, sounds worth it for a once in a life-time opportunity.

The Bush years are dwindling down and that makes me very happy because it means...JibJab is on the case again with funny new political cartoons like their Time for Some Campaignin video. [via Roosevelt Islander]

Time reports that nearly 90% of foods marketed to kids do not meet basic nutritional standards of food. Check out their list of 9 "healthy" kid foods that really aren't. Goldfish are number two on the list because of the amount of sodium. [via GoodyBlog]

More links and our Exit Cuckoo giveaway winner after the jump.