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

New York Hall of Science's Massive Science Playground Reopens and It's Better Than Ever

Submitted by Diana Kim on Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:40am

NYSCI's Science Playground—the largest science playground in the United States—is welcoming visitors following a massive remodel!

The Science Playground has reopened at the New York Hall of Science, and it's now better than ever giving families one more reason to visit NYSCI—one of our favorite, STEM-focused museums for kids.

I recently visited the new Science Playground with my 7-year-old son and his friends, and it was a total hit. The kids loved exploring every inch of the enormous playground and playing with all the STEM-focused structures and exhibitions.

Read on to get the scoop on this awesome playground and find more fun places to play in our Guide to NYC Playgrounds & Parks.

The Cauldron Brings Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Fun to the Flatiron District

Submitted by Diana Kim on Tue, 10/24/2023 - 12:01pm

Spooky and sweet fun awaits at The Cauldron, which has teamed up with Little Kid Big City for a fun Halloween activation.

You don't have to get out of the city to experience the magic of a pumpkin patch this Halloween season. The Cauldron NYC—in conjunction with Little Kid Big City—has conjured an urban pumpkin patch in its brand-new Flatiron location, where you can dress in wizard's robes and create some spooky—or silly—jack-o'-lanterns. My son and I recently checked out this pumpkin carving adventure and had a great time. Read on to find out more about this interactive experience and what you need to know before visiting with kids.

For more Halloween events and activities, check out our jam-packed New York City Kids' Halloween Guide, which showcases our top picks for FREE Halloween events, not-too-scary-haunted houses, and more.

Oslo with Kids: Best Things To Do in Oslo, Norway

Submitted by Diana Kim on Sat, 10/21/2023 - 12:00pm

Take a scenic boat ride through the breathtaking fjords.

Oslo, Norway makes for an unforgettable, adventure-filled family vacation spot full of stunning natural landscapes and family-friendly activities. As Norway's capital, Oslo is an international city with great museums, cultural sites, and attractions the whole family will enjoy.

Oslo is also easy to navigate with kids. The city is very walkable, and its great transportation system (including buses, trams, trains, and ferries) makes it convenient to get around without a car. Oslo is clean and safe, and most people speak English. While there is plenty to do indoors in the winter, summer is also a great time to visit, when the temperature is pleasantly balmy and the sun doesn't set until almost midnight.

Read on for some of our favorite things to in Oslo, Norway with kids, including family-friendly Oslo hotels. Find more European family vacation destinations, including London and Amsterdam, in our Europe Family Travel Guide.

Pacific Park Brings New Playground to Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 10/09/2023 - 5:51pm

Kids can climb, run, and romp in Prospect Heights newest playground at Pacific Park.

Prospect Heights families take note: There's a brand-new NYC playground to explore right in your backyard. The new playground—dubbed Pacific Park—is located right next to 595 Dean Street's West Tower, a new residential development, and brings another kid-friendly option to the already family-friendly Prospect Heights neighborhood.

I recently visited this new playground in NYC with my 7-year-old and his friends, and it won rave reviews all around. Read on for all the details on this NYC playground and why it's a great addition to the neighborhood.

Check out our extensive Guide to NYC Parks and Playgrounds for more top places to romp.

Best Soccer Classes for Kids in New York City

Submitted by Diana Kim on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 12:14pm

Get those feet moving at Soccer Shots. Photo courtesy of Soccer Shots

Soccer is a year-round sport in NYC and these soccer classes in New York City for kids get them ready to hit the pitch. We've found a variety of soccer classes for budding athletes, from preschoolers just learning to kick to middle schoolers ready to master fancy footwork. For advanced players, some of these soccer classes in NYC offer travel teams and competitive leagues.

For more great classes for kids, including everything from gymnastics classes to ninja warrior and parkour classes, check out our New York City Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

Brooklyn Museum Guide For Kids - Everything You Need to Know Before Your Family Visit

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 1:34pm

The Brooklyn Museum is a premier art museum, with floors of treasures and outdoor art, too.

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the world's premier art museums, yet often overlooked for its more famous Manhattan neighbor, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. But, the Brooklyn Museum is truly worth a visit, whether you're a local or just visiting. Home to an eclectic permanent collection and a rotation of buzzy, crowd-pleasing special exhibitions, the Brooklyn Museum is located in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building right off of family-friendly Prospect Park and definitely worth visiting with kids. Its calendar is packed with kid-friendly programming and family events. We've got tips about the best exhibits to see, things to do, and places to eat during your visit to the Brooklyn Museum with kids.

We've got all our picks for the best museums to visit with kids in NYC and more tips for NYC's top culture spots in our Guide to Family-Friendly Museums in NYC.

Woodloch Resort Review: An All-Inclusive Family Vacation in the Poconos

Submitted by Diana Kim on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 2:16pm

Woodloch Pines Resort offers a beautiful setting for an activity-packed, all-inclusive getaway in the Pocono Mountains. Photo courtesy of the resort

Woodloch Resort's Woodloch Pines is a perfect destination for a family getaway any time of the year. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains, Woodloch Resort is an all-inclusive resort made for families, with tons of all-seasons activities, an on-site kids' club, pool, lake, water activities, spacious accommodations, entertainment, and delicious meals.

Read on for our top picks for fun things to do at Woodloch Resort, and our tips for planning your own Woodloch Pines getaway. While you're in the area, we've got 70 fun things to do in the Poconos with kids, plus you can find more fun family resorts in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids near NYC

Submitted by Diana Kim on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 1:53pm

Take a high-flying lesson in trapeze alongside the Hudson River at the New York School of Trapeze.

If you're raising a daredevil who loves extreme sports and high-thrill activities, we've got you covered. From parkour classes to go-karts, zip lines, and axe-throwing, we've rounded up 12 thrilling, adrenaline-pumping things to do in NYC. These extreme sports offer excitement and thrills in a safe and controlled environment so parents don't have to worry.

Make sure to take note of any age or height restrictions before heading out or risk being shut out of these extreme sports in NYC. Find more heart-pumping activities and things to do in our Guide to Kids Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones in NYC.

Diana Kim

Latest posts by Diana

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