Museum of Illusions and Museum of Ice Cream
As the days get colder, the best way to beat the cold months and have your kids experience a truly good time are with these two exciting museums.
Museum of Illusions – experience lots of optical illusions that will fascinate your little ones. Offering an intriguing sensory experience and fun for adults too. Kids 6 and under are free. 77 8th avenue NYC.
Museum of Ice Cream – who doesn’t love ice-cream, and there’s lots of history on the delicious treat but the real fun is all the slides, swings, games and sprinkle ball pit that kids experience. My son did not want to leave so plan on spending a good 2 hours. 558 Broadway NYC.
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PLAY WELL – LEGO
New York is back and what better way to celebrate it by taking your child to the midtown Flagship Lego store in Rockerfeller Center. With 7,100 square feet across two levels, it’s guaranteed loads of fun and excitement.
Lego was created by a carpenter in Denmark named Ole Kirk Christiansen who began making wooden toys in 1932. In 1947, Lego began manufacturing plastic in order to produce more efficiently and by 1949, Lego had produced the now familiar interlocking bricks. Lego actually means “Play Well” in Danish.
In 1954, Christiansen son, Godtfred, had taken over the business and developed the Lego system into a fully creative play idea for kids. In 1978 Lego manufactured its first minifigures and today Lego has produced over 600 billion parts.
The New York Lego store has classics like the iconic yellow cab, towering skyscrapers and Broadway theaters, all super interactive and made of bricks that involve personalized hands-on experiences for your child.
The Lego brand has always raised the bar when it comes to kid design and imaginary play, but Lego has also been an inspiration for many adults. Take architect Bjarke Ingels who built an actual Lego house “home of the brick” in the original birth-place of Lego, Billund, Denmark.
Who doesn’t love Legos, they are an enjoyable staple for every child and family. Check out the store for loads of fun.
Store hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday
636 Fifth Avenue NY, NY 10020
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VIRTUAL SANTA LAND
Your child may not be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year due to Covid but there are plenty of really cool and fun Santa virtual experiences. Luke enjoyed Macy’s Santaland, but there are many to choose from. Some free, some at a price. And most you get to take a photo with Santa. Check them out:
https://macyssantalandathome.com/
Home
Zoom Santa Claus – Virtual Santa Claus Video Visits
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AQUARIUM:$30 FEE LOCAL PET FISH STORE: $0
When Luke broke my vase, I was a little more than peeved. It was the 3rd vase he broke. Yes I know that’s expected from a toddler. I decided to try something different. Maybe use a fishbowl with pretty fish as a centerpiece instead of a vase. He won’t be able to tip that over. Besides who doesn’t like fish. They are soothing and pretty to look at.
So I went to my local fish pet store and there were a ton of fishtanks with all kids of beautifully colored fish. Luke had a blast and we ended up staying an hour. I thought this is great, it was free and fun. With 34,000 different types of fish in the world, if you’re looking for a fish, you definitely have options. But if you just want to look around and have your toddler enjoy the views, that will work too.
So for all those moms on a budget, skip the aquarium museum as they will charge a pretty hefty entrance fee, and take your toddler to a pet fish store. They will be swimming with happiness.
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THE CHRISTMAS STORE (Little Italy)
One of my favorite places to go especially during the holiday season is THE CHRISTMAS STORE on Mulberry street in Little Italy. And it’s now Luke’s favorite place too.
It’s covered from head to toe with Christmas decorations and if you’re looking for a special ornament, this place has got just about every kind in every shape and in all colors. From wooden ones to hand-blown glass ornaments, they even have a expert in calligraphy that will inscribe the ornaments with any sweet holiday message.
There’s moving Santas, wooden soldiers, big Christmas trees and even a gelato section in case you want to get something sweet while you peruse the store.
It’s great fun and all the good cheer and festivities will enthrall your little one.
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It’s not the destination, it’s the journey – NYC FERRY
With the newly opened ferry rides all along the East River, this is a sure way to entertain your little one while only costing you $2.75 one way.
The new NYC Ferry will keep your toddler occupied and you don’t even have to get off on any stops, you can just sit on the rooftop and take in the spectacular views of Manhattan. Of course if you want to get off, there’s plenty of great things to do. The NYC Ferry stops at Dumbo where there are plenty of restaurants, a beautiful carousal and lots of open space for your child to run around. The ferry also stops at Domino Park and Long Island City.
If you want a longer adventure, head to Governors Island where there is lots and lots to do (Ferry is only available on weekend).
As of August 2018, there are six routes connecting 21 ferry piers throughout the five boroughs. NYC Ferry was officially announced by the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015. It was planned to launch in two phases. The first phase launched on May 1, 2017, with service along the East River and to Far Rockaway giving new yorkers a great escape to the city beaches. Routes to Bay Ridge and Astoria respectively started in June and August of that year. A second phase, in August 2018, launched to the Lower East Side and Soundview. A ferry to Coney Island and Stapleton is under consideration.
Luke loves being on the boat and is extremely well behaved – wahooo. So while the weather is still warm enough, go and enjoy a lovely and even peaceful ride.
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DOMINO PARK
There are approximately 1700 parks, playgrounds and recreation centers across the five boroughs of our great city. And thank god as I truly think New Yorkers would go crazy without them. Of course if you have a toddler, you live at these parks and take solace in watching your little one play, jump, scream, swing and run around like mad.
I recently took Luke to Domino Park in Williamsburg right over the bridge and along the East River. It has of course spectacular views of Manhattan. There’s a little Taco eatery (Tacocina), volleyball courts, a colorful playground, elevated walkway, a garden, wooden seating area throughout, as well as plenty of green grass to lie around and sun bathe. But the absolute best part of the park is the water park area with rows and rows of streaming water.
Domino Park construction began in 2012 on the former sugar refinery, Domino, which by the way, produced almost all of the sugar in America from the 1880’s to 2004. When Domino Sugar plant shut down, Two Trees Development took it over and the master plan for a glorious park along the river began. The Park stretches from South 5th street to Grand street. Landscape architect James Corner designed the park and he did an amazing job, but what else do you expect from the man who also had a hand in Manhattan’s High Line.
There’s something about ice cold shooting jet stream of water when you’re living in the concrete jungle that is just thrilling. I could write about the absolute joy it brings kids but nah, watch the video and see for yourself.
Domino Park is officially opened so check it out, it’s really really fun.
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INDIGO & LUDLOW HOTELS
If you’re a New Yorker and earn a modest living, you probably have a fairly small size apartment. Space is what we give up for living in a great dynamic and exciting city. And when you’re young and single, you don’t mind it so much but when you have a baby, you wish, hope and crave some space.
I’ve come to learn that hotel lobbies can be a great place for your little one to roam. I found two such hotels that not only have great spaces but are very gracious and accommodating to kids.
Indigo Hotel and Ludlow Hotel
The Indigo Hotel on the lower east side has an amazing lobby on the 14th floor and a fantastic view. Within the big space, they have a small space that exhibits cool art every month. They have a small bar in the back and comfortable and durable sofas and tables throughout. Luke was fascinated with the heart and typewriter and loves exploring here. But the best part is the super sweet and friendly staff that welcomes kids of any age.
The Ludlow Hotel also has great space and a fireplace. They have a great indoor sun skylight that gives the feeling like you’re outside but you’re not and on those cold days is very welcoming. It’s more of a maze like space than an open space but Luke loves it here as well.
Here are a few other hotels that have great spaces and practical for kids
Citizen M
Ace Hotel
Even Hotel
The Standard
So get out of your small apt and enjoy some space with your kid at these hotels.
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NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Okay well this may be a given for most New York moms but it wasn’t for me. The New York Public Library is just amazing when you have a baby or toddler. They offer story time once a day for about 45 minutes, and the readers are very engaging. They don’t just read stories but sing songs, blow bubbles and bring out noise-makers. Luke absolutely loves loves story time at the library. They also offer lots of other terrific things for both adults and kids – live music, classes, recruitment efforts and a lot more.
The idea of having a public space where people can learn a language, a computer skill or just take out a book and read is truly amazing. With so much fast-paced change and high tech in the world, the historic, good old-fashioned library is a breath of fresh air.
There’s also a little play area for kids where you can sit and read books, although Luke loves to just take all the books off the shelf but I’m sure he’ll get to reading soon.
I encourage all new mothers or not so new mothers who have yet to take a trip to the library, go check out your local branch because all of these wonderful learning experiences and offerings are FREE.
Library is open every day except Sunday until 8:00 p.m.
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HAMILTON FISH PARK
It’s summer and if you are a single mom on a budget and tired of waiting for those Hampton friends to invite you out for a weekend, head over to Hamilton Fish Park where your little one can splash around in the Olympic size pool, or just play at the parks refurbished playground.
Opened in 1936, this public pool has been home for many on the lower east side to take refuge from the blistering heat. A New York historic landmark, it offers after-school programs, swimming lessons, exercise programs and even computer lessons for adults.
The park features a ton of activity, there’s basketball and handball courts, tennis courts, game room, fitness room, an indoor gymnasium and much more. But in the summer the main attraction is the two very large pools that allow for a nice cool down on the hot months. You are not allowed to bring anything other than a towel, a matt and your flipflops into the main pool area so bring a lock for your valuables.
Located on 128 Pitt Street at Houston, it’s open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Enjoy the fun!
Being a single mom in NYC 