Diana Kim

Diana Kim has been a contributor to Mommy Poppins for nearly 8 years. A Brooklyn mom of three (ages 7-16), she loves exploring family-friendly events and activities in Brooklyn and sharing the best finds with readers.

Latest posts by Diana

'Our City' Exhibit Delves into NYC Neighborhood Ties

Submitted by Diana Kim on Wed, 03/16/2016 - 10:15am

Whether it's Park Slope, Williamsburg, the Upper West Side or Tribeca, we all identify with the unique NYC neighborhoods we call home.

New York City is comprised of numerous diverse neighborhoods each with its own characteristic buildings, vibe and mix of people. A new exhibit called Our City at the Brooklyn Children's Museum features six contemporary artists examining different aspects of neighborhoods and life in New York City.

Check our NYC Museum Guide for more current art exhibits and tips like FREE times to visit or how to score discounts.

10 Postnatal Workout Classes for NYC Moms

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 2:00pm

Getting back into shape after having a baby can be daunting. But we know exercise gives us more energy, encourages a positive body image, and just seems to make us feel better. Don't know where to start? A postnatal exercise class geared toward new moms is a great way to get motivated, meet other new moms, and learn what exercises will help you look like your old self (or better).

We've rounded up 10 postnatal exercise classes in New York City that address the needs of your new body. Many are baby friendly and some offer free or discounted trial classes. As with any new exercise program, check with your doctor for the go-ahead.

Check our NYC Baby Guide from Pregnancy to Preschool for more new mom city info, or find more classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

Mega Indoor Play Space Curiosity On Court Opens in Cobble Hill

Submitted by Diana Kim on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 10:30am

Families are flocking to Curiosity on Court, the new indoor play space that just opened in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. And for good reason. With custom play structures and exhibits, open-play hours, weekend hours, date nights and birthday party packages, Curiosity on Court is a great addition to the recent spate of indoor play spaces opening up in Brooklyn.

Read on for our parent review of this new kid hot spot.

Giocare Play Spot: New Kid Playroom Opens in South Park Slope

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 10:00am

We love checking out NYC's newest and coolest indoor play areas, so we couldn't wait to drop in to the recently opened Giocare Play Spot in South Park Slope, Brooklyn. Catering to infants, toddlers and preschoolers, Giocare offers drop-in play sessions, classes, storytimes and more.

We've got the scoop on Giocare and everything you need to know before you go—just in time for an NYC winter when we're all looking for new boredom-busting play ideas.

Relax! Baby Massage Classes to Soothe Parent and Newborn

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 12/29/2015 - 10:00am

There's no way around it: most babies fuss and cry a lot. And many new parents are eager to try anything to soothe their little charges, so perhaps it's not surprising that baby massage is one of the latest trendy mommy and me class options in NYC.

Touch is probably the first and most comforting language newborns and infants learn—and massage a timeworn practice. A gentle touch reinforces love, safety and trust between parent and child, making massage instruction one of the more bonding-focused mommy and me classes out there.

The benefits touted for adult or baby massage are compelling: improvement in overall health and sleep, reduction in stress levels, boosting the immune system and easing an infant's colic or even constipation. New York City parents have several great options to choose from, including private sessions at home, as well as venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn that host group lessons in massage.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

More Brooklyn Holiday Lights: Carroll Gardens Gets Decked Out

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 10:00am

Come Christmas time, tourists and locals alike head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to check out amazing holiday lights and decorations.

However, for those who don't have a car, there are other pockets in Brooklyn of wonderful and creative holiday decorations, including among the pretty brownstones of Carroll Gardens, a onetime Italian-American stronghold where churches and funeral homes, along with Italian bakeries and restaurants are equally plentiful. While it might not be as famous as Dyker Heights, Carroll Gardens can be easier to access for Brooklyn families from nearby Park Slope, Fort Greene and even Manhattan.

Toddler Thanksgiving Craft Workshops Around NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 11/13/2015 - 10:30am

Hand-print turkeys, corn husk dolls, leaf collages and Thanksgiving Day parade floats—now is the time of year when kids begin making those adorable seasonal and decorative crafts.

Most young kids love making crafts, and it’s a great way to engage their imaginations, enhance their motor skills and get into the holiday spirit.

While you can make crafts at home and older children often create them at school, it’s fun to take your toddler or preschooler somewhere new for crafting projects. We’ve rounded up several craft destinations where toddlers can make Thanksgiving-related decorations. Read on for our favorites, and make sure to find lots of room in your home to showcase your tot’s handiwork.

Statue of Liberty Tour: Visiting Lady Liberty and Ellis Island with Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 11/12/2015 - 4:30pm

The Statue of Liberty, despite its world-renowned status, is one of those iconic local landmarks that few NYC families may think to visit. After all, you have to take a ferry to it and order tickets in advance—not exactly the makings of a spontaneous weekend outing with the kids.

But a tour of Lady Liberty, including a hike to the crown and a ferry stop at Ellis Island for a bit of history, actually has plenty to offer families, whether local or visiting from elsewhere, especially for those with kids ages 5 and up.

Eager to see this monument up close and cross it off our family’s NYC bucket list, I recently made my way to the Statue of Liberty with four kids, ages 5 to 7, in tow and just one other adult. Read on for the scoop on how to score tickets, as well as must-know tips for families like kid height requirements for tours of the crown.

Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana

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