Drew Kristofik

Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Drew

Popular Upper East Side Preschools and How to Choose the Best One for Your Kid

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Tue, 01/11/2022 - 6:54pm

Preschoolers at All Souls get plenty of play time to romp on the rooftop playground. Photo courtesy of the school

The great preschool hunt might seem especially daunting these days, but schools are stepping up to help parents through the process, offering everything from videotaped interviews to virtual tours. And while preschool spots are always in high demand on the Upper East Side, this might actually be the perfect time to score a spot at some of the most sought-after early childhood schools. Remember that some preschools still require you to apply in September the year before your child enrolls, after which you'll be invited to visit and confirm your interest in the school (some have early admissions and wait lists!), with final acceptance letters going out in February or March. In short, there's no time like the present to get the process started.

We've rounded up some of the top preschools on the Upper East Side below and broken them down into categories to help you decide which may be best for your family. Your odds of finding a comfortable fit for your family are excellent. We've also compiled our best preschool admissions tips as well as 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour, and don't forget that our Preschools Directory is an excellent resource.

Chinese Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in NYC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Mon, 12/20/2021 - 5:01pm

Mazu's modern Szechuan menu packs a punch, and parents can appreciate its signature cocktails.

It is a tradition among many of our friends—and not only the Jewish ones—to order Chinese food on Christmas Day. It makes perfect sense: You're exhausted from staying up all night trying to conjure up holiday magic, so why not have something everyone loves delivered to your door? If you don't celebrate Christmas, a day when just about everything is closed is still an excellent excuse to order in from one of these Chinese restaurants open on Christmas and watch family movies.

While you might already have your own "go-to" local restaurants on speed dial, we've rounded up a bunch of particularly good ones to share with you. If you're looking for a more traditional holiday feast, consider these restaurants open on Christmas serving everything from holiday ham to the Feast of the Seven fishes.

Where to See Holiday Concerts and Sing Christmas Carols in NYC This Season

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 12/02/2021 - 12:23pm

Sing Christmas carols during the annual winter edition of Make Music New York this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Make Music New York

Crooning Christmas carols on a brisk evening in the company of neighbors, pals, or friendly strangers is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Carolers of all levels mingle at these events—even the occasional Broadway star has been spotted from time to time—to serenade the city with a message of peace and joy. We've rounded up more than a dozen gatherings where you can literally sing in the holidays, and don't forget to check out all of the Christmas tree lightings—they often include caroling in their programs, too

If you'd rather just listen, consider booking tickets to a holiday concert to get everyone in the spirit. We've got our top picks for those, plus, we couldn't resist including a collection of NYC's many salutes to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

However you spend the holidays, we wish you all the joy of the season. Don't forget to check our Family Activity Calendar and Guide to Holiday Events for more seasonal picks.

Free Outdoor Movies in NYC This October

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 10:25am

Jack Skellington gives a new meaning to Christmas Spirit in The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is one of the free outdoor movies streaming in NYC this October.

New York City's FREE summer movie season is anticipated annually, but in 2021 New Yorkers are in for a special treat! The FREE outdoor movies are extending well into the fall. There are enough FREE outdoor movies playing in October, they warrant a list of their own. Our list of FREE outdoor movies playing this October includes the SHOCKTOBERFEST series in Brooklyn, which offers screenings in some of our favorite parks and playgrounds.

Movies usually begin when evening falls, so take note of the earlier showtimes this season. Plan to arrive early to stake out a good viewing spot. Even if your local park is screening a flick you've watched a dozen times before, it's a totally different experience viewing it in the open air alongside other fans. It's a thrilling, communal event, and a rite of passage for New Yorkers of all ages. Plan to practice social distancing and bring your masks; they're required for the unvaccinated.

Best Dance Classes for Kids Near DC

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 8:00am

Unlock your child's love of dance at a DC-area class or studio. Photo by Jay Williams

One perk of raising children in the DC area is the volume of high-quality classes for kids. If you have a budding ballerina or Baryshnikov—or a kid who wants to learn some smooth K-pop moves at an area dance class—have no fear. We have all the info on dance classes for kids and toddlers near DC.

25+ Fun Things To Do in NYC This Weekend: Pride, Porch Stomp, and More

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 4:35pm

The PrideFest street fair has been reimagined with safety top of mind, but there will still be plenty of celebrating going on. Photo courtesy of the fest

Wave June goodbye with a rainbow flag: It's Pride weekend in NYC! What better time to put on some glitz, make pride buttons, and party in the Village?

It's also Pollinators Weekend, which takes some of the sting out of the heat, humidity, and rain in the forecast! What better time to dance in the garden, stomp on the porch, or bang on some steel pans?

Of course there are also outdoor movies, and Klezmer, and puppets. Is this NYC or what?

Oh so much more is just waiting for your click on the Mommy Poppins Activity Calendar. We also have all the info you need to get to NYC beaches, plot a summer day trip, or find FREE fun every day of summer vacation. As if that's not enough, let us remind you our favorite FREE swimming pools open Saturday, and our Summer Fun Guide has even more seasonal must-do's.

19 Free and Cheap Online Summer Camps in 2021

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Tue, 06/22/2021 - 1:50pm

Find an online summer camp to fill an hour (or several) of your kid's time.

Need to fill a week or two of summer camp this summer? Or, not ready to send the kids back to a full-time day camp? Good news: There are a number of FREE online summer camps from top-notch organizations and nonprofits that still have open weeks!

These virtual camps from the likes of 4-H Club and UNICEF are open to kids all over the US, from Boston to Los Angeles, so kids in cities thousands of miles apart have a chance to meet and connect with kids they might otherwise never have known. We love that most won't cost you a cent and might just help fill a few hours of your kid's day with some really fun summer activities. Find more virtual summer programs in our Camp Directory, or check out our local Summer Camp Guides for in-person options.