Mommy Poppins - Get more out of NYC with kids -

New Jersey Shore Beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May

Teresa — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:25:21 -0700

Until recently you didn't hear much about the Jersey Shore in New York. But skyrocketing prices in Long Island have made the Jersey Shore an appealing option. We think the Jersey Shore has had a bad rap for too long. With beautiful beaches, and loads of fun activities for kids and families, you’ll truly be surprised at all the great choices you’ll find. We've got the inside scoop on the best beaches on the Jersey Shore from nearby Sandy Hook all the way south to Cape May. But if you’re thinking about spreading the word far and wide, fuhgeddaboutit. Let ‘em have their Hamptons–this’ll be our little secret, capisce?

Orchard Beach: 'The Riviera of New York'

Erin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:23:50 -0700

A beach probably isn't the first thing that pops into most people's heads when they think of the Boogiedown Bronx... but Orchard Beach, which is part of Pelham Bay Park and weighs in at 115 acres, provides an invigorating beach getaway each weekend for thousands of NYC residents.

Things to Do on a Family Beach Vacation in The Hamptons

Shea — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:23:50 -0700

Yes, the Hamptons get a lot of hype for being the playground of the rich and famous, but you don't have to be rich or famous or fashionable to enjoy these beautiful beaches. The Hamptons are a great family vacation destination, close to New York City, with some of the best, sandy beaches anywhere. Plus, there's lots of fun activities, and places to eat, off the beach that make the Hamptons the perfect place for a family vacation getaway.

We've scoped out the best ideas on where to play, learn, and eat your way through The Hamptons this Summer with your kids:

Manhattan Gets Its Own New Water Taxi Beach at South Street Seaport

mommy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:56:50 -0700

We recently visited the new Water Taxi Beach at the South Street Seaport. Similar to the original in Queens, this outdoor bar has a huge sandy beach area with picnic tables and great views out toward the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River and is a great place where families can enjoy a night out with kids in tow.

News: Mayoral Control Ends (Kind Of), Free Theater Program, Green Schools Petition, Beach Week, More

mommy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:55:23 -0700

Last week we kicked off the summer season with some great giveaways: tons of passes to Playland, Sahara Sam's and the first of our Summer Dinner Party Giveaways (don't forget you can enter to win every week this summer in our Summer Activity Guide). Now, this week is Beach Week on Mommy Poppins. We've written about our top 5 family friendly beaches near NYC and the beaches of Staten Island, but all this week we'll be bringing you more tips, recommendations and guides for the best beaches in and around New York City.

In other news, the school year has ended, but the big news about public schools hasn't. Last week Bloomberg lost mayoral control, or did he? Find out more about this and also a petition to make school cafeterias more green, how to make your own mini magnetic travel games, the new celeb family moving to Park Slope and a totally free summer arts program for kids:

Weekend Getaways: The Hudson Valley's Rhinebeck, NY

mommy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:10:07 -0700

Alison Lowenstein is a local mom and author of the popular book City Baby Brooklyn. Her latest is City Weekends, a wonderful resource full of ideas for things to do in and around New York City. City Weekends isn't specifically focused on family weekend trips, but one of the things I love about it is that it's full of great weekend trip ideas that can still be kid-friendly without being so kid-centric.

Read on to learn about one of her weekend trip suggestions for a fun family trip to the country in the Hudson Valley's Rhinebeck:

Where to See Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City

mommy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:00 -0700

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are returning to the Hudson River this year in honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River for the Dutch. This change has thrown many people's fireworks viewing plans into chaos. Where do you see fireworks now if you live in Brooklyn, where in Manhattan will you be able to see the fireworks?

Needing to bring order to this chaos, I've sorted rounded up the best places to see the 4th of July fireworks all around New York City:

4th of July Fireworks and Weekend Events for Kids in New Jersey

Desiree — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:34:57 -0700

The July 4th fireworks are on the Hudson River this year, making New Jersey the place to be when the celebration begins at 9:20pm! After all, fireworks don't have a front side and it will be far less crowded on the NJ side of the river. We've also included some fun activities and events for kids happening in New Jersey for the rest of the 4th of July Weekend

Best places to see the 4th of July fireworks from New Jersey:

4th of July Weekend Events for New York City Kids: Fireworks, Parades, Camping, and More

charlotte — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:38:23 -0700

If you're staying in town for the holiday, you're not missing anything. There's tons of free and really cheap events happening this 4th of July to keep your weekend explosive-ly amazing and your wallet (and family!), amazingly happy. Whether you're looking to roof-top party for a great view of the fireworks, watch elephants face humans in a hotdog bun-eating contest, or camp out (for free) under the stars, there's something for the whole family that's beyond the standard BBQ fare.

Happy 4th of July!

4th of July Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island: Activities, Celebrations and Fireworks

Shea — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:03:21 -0700

Still trying to make plans for this year's Holiday Weekend? We took some time to gather up some of Long Island's best Fourth of July celebrations for you to choose from. Step back in time with period games and a traditional parade, learn about and see birds of prey, picnic and, of course, find out where to catch the fireworks. Happy 4th. Have a great weekend.