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

Sesame Street’s Learn and Play Experience Now Open at American Dream Mall

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 11/22/2024 - 11:25am

Play and pose with Oscar the Grouch and many other popular character at Sesame Street Play and Learn.

Young fans of the beloved show Sesame Street can now step into the iconic neighborhood thanks to Sesame Street Learn and Play, a brand new educational play space just opened at American Dream Mall.

Little ones can immerse themselves in the world of Sesame Street—and all its famed, furry and feathered characters—thanks to this first-of-its kind play space, which is destined for a spot on our list of the best Northern New Jersey play spaces.

NYC Subway Primer: How to Get Around with Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 3:08pm

Off to new adventures with an OMNY card in hand!

The New York City subway is the largest public transportation network of its kind in America with 472 stations on 25 routes, spread along 665 miles of track. Riding the subway is the fastest, easiest way to get from point A to point B in NYC, and it's a great way to travel with kids.

But, if you're not 100% familiar with the subway system, are traveling with a stroller, or hit schedule changes, it can really stink. The subway system can be a little daunting to navigate, so we've got all the info you need to ride the subway. We've also rounded up the best online resources to make it easier to get around NYC by subway, especially with kids.

If you're visiting NYC, be sure to bookmark our Visitors Guide, which includes a ton of parent-tested tips plus our top picks for the best attractions in NYC and how to make the most of a budget-friendly visit, too.

Safari with Kids: Planning a Perfect Family African Safari Vacation

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sat, 10/26/2024 - 12:00pm

Kids can capture the king of the savannah on camera from the safety of a safari bus. Photo by the author

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where you can see wildlife up close and revel in stunning natural landscapes. It’s also a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and wildlife conservation, and to expose kids to the richness and diversity that comprise Africa.

A safari is great for families who want adventure and the chance to have new experiences. There are a lot of factors to consider when planning an African safari, such as where in Africa to go, whether to use a tour operator, what type of lodgings to choose, and what activities to prioritize.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about planning an African safari for your family. Check out our International Travel Guide for even more amazing places to visit, from the Caribbean to our favorite European cities.

Step Inside Thrilling New 'Squid Game' Experience in Midtown Manhattan

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 12:19pm

Would you dare to set foot on the glass bridge at the new Squid Game Experience at the Manhattan Mall?

Fans of the hit Netflix show Squid Game can now play experience the thrills and excitement of the games in real life. At the new, immersive pop-up Squid Game: The Experience, players compete in five different games inspired by the show—but only one will win.

Unlike the actual show, this new experience is totally safe and family-friendly. I recently went to experience the games with my 8-year-old son, and we had a fantastic time. Read on for everything you need to know about Squid Game: The Experience

Find all of our recommendations or the best new things to do in NYC with kids in our Guide to New Openings for Kids in NYC.

17 Best Things To Do in NYC with Teens

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 3:32pm

Supersized climbing walls are always a thrill for teens. Photo by Jody Mercier

It can be tough to find things to do in New York City for teens. They're too old to want parents to accompany them everywhere, but many teen activities require adult supervision. If your high schooler's social life has been reduced to online gaming or scrolling TikTok, help them mix it up by sharing this roundup of 17 things to do in NYC for teens. They're all engaging activities that teens can do on their own and a few were even created by NYC teens.

Many of these teen activities in NYC are FREE or inexpensive, so you won't have to raise their allowance. Find more things to do in NYC with teens in our Teen and Tweens Guide to NYC and our jam-packed Family Activity Calendar.

Area 53 Is the Solution To Fun on Bad Weather Days in NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 1:53pm

Hone your battle skills at Area 53 NYC's Adventure Park. Photo by Diana Kim

If your tween or teen has the energy to burn, we have found the place for them: Area 53 NYC is home to a ton of action-packed adventures spread over a trio of locations in Brooklyn. Area 53 NYC offers laser tag, paintball, mini-bowling, and an indoor adventure park with a dozen games and activities.

Read on for our review of these thrilling attractions—as well as our parent-tested, know-before-you-go intel, pulled together after visiting with three kids ages 8-16.

Great Preschools in Brooklyn for Little Learners

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 09/30/2024 - 12:19pm

Students can enter Brooklyn Heights Montessori and continue their educational journey all the way through eighth grade. Photo courtesy of the school

Brooklyn families are fortunate to have a number of great Brooklyn preschools at their doorsteps. The borough is home to a wide range of preschools, which vary in size, educational philosophy, and scheduling flexibility.

To help families find the right preschool fit, we've rounded up 16 great Brooklyn preschools and divided them into categories, including traditional Brooklyn preschools, year-round Brooklyn preschools, Montessori and Reggio Emilia preschools in Brooklyn, and religious preschools in Brooklyn.

Preschool spots are always in high demand, so it's important to start your school search early. Most NYC preschools require you to apply in the fall a year before your child enrolls, with acceptance letters going out in February or March. The process begins by researching preschools' websites, taking tours, talking to other families, and considering what's most important for your family in a preschool.

For a comprehensive list of NYC preschools, check out our Preschools Directory, which includes our top picks for preschools in Park Slope, plus many more resources, including our best preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour.

33 Best Things To Do in the Financial District with Kids

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 06/27/2024 - 12:04pm

The SeaGlass Carousel is a dreamy destination in the Financial District no matter the season. Photo by Anna Afanaseva

The Financial District is a booming family neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. Towering office building to high-end condo conversions were followed in short order by family-friendly businesses. There are excellent schools, unique playgrounds, indoor play spaces, and off-the-beaten-path museums.

It’s hard to tell now with all the modern skyscrapers, but the Financial District—aka FiDi—is the oldest settled part of NYC and a great place to learn about the city's storied history. Plus, almost every subway line stops in the Financial District, making it a super-convenient neighborhood to explore. Read on for our top 30 picks for things to do, see, and eat with kids in the Financial District and find more fun neighborhoods to explore in our Manhattan Kids Guide, which includes looks at the nearby enclaves of the South Street Seaport and Battery Park City.

Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana

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