James Smith

James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.

Latest posts by James

Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend: Tree Lighting, Chinese Cultural Fest, Art and Design

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 2:40pm

Santa’s Fantastical is a holiday destination full of art, technology, and nostalgia. Photo courtesy of Santa's Fantastical

As the calendar inches toward Christmas, Atlanta is just brimming with seasonal celebrations. This weekend, check out one of our favorite holiday lights shows at the botanical garden, a continuing celebration of Chinese culture at Olympic Park, the annual Christmas tree lighting at Zoo Atlanta, and more.

Families can enjoy presentations of The Nutcracker, a time-honored Christmas tradition, at Decatur High School Performing Arts Center and Fox Theatre.

Things to Do in DC This Weekend: Holiday Boat Parade, Train Show, Scottish Walk

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 11:05am

Enchant Christmas features a light maze, ice skating, a holiday market, and more. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

As the calendar inches toward Christmas in the DC area, little minds become filled with big dreams. And why not, Washington and Baltimore are just shining with seasonal possibilities.

This weekend alone, families can usher in the season with a boat parade, traditional Scottish holiday walk, a train show, holiday lights, even a card-making workshop.

If you prefer some non-holiday entertainment options, why not check out a Saturday morning workshop at the National Theatre, introduce your child to the magic of opera in Baltimore, or enjoy Lego crafts with dad in Laurel.

Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: Holiday Parades, Asian Fest, Globetrotters

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 10:40am

Enjoy choir voices, Christmas classics, and more at The Singing Christmas Trees show. Photo courtesy of First Baptist Orlando

As the calendar inches toward Christmas, the Orlando area is shining with seasonal celebrations.

This weekend, check out holiday parades in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Longwood, and St. Cloud and tree lightings in Winter Springs, Ocoee, and Oviedo. Families can enjoy a sing-along concert in Sanford, a trip on the Polar Express train to the "North Pole," or celebrate Chinese and Asian culture at the Central Florida Zoo.

Elsewhere, check out some basketball wizardry with the Harlem Globetrotters in Orlando, or introduce your kids to gymnastics and more bouncy fun in Lake Mary.

December GoList: Things to Do with Long Island Kids This Month

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 11/29/2019 - 8:23am

No need to remind you of all that is going on in December on Long Island. In fact, of our 12 monthly GoLists, it’s unlikely you’ll find one with more entertainment possibilities than December, assuming, of course that between shopping, and surfing (the Web), traveling, and cooking you have time to take advantage of them.

From light shows to train shows, tree and menorah lightings, Santa brunches, and even family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations, our gift to you this holiday season is 31 days of possibilities. So enjoy, and remember we are committed to being your source for the best seasonal entertainment on Long Island.

With so much to do, what’s the point of a lengthy introduction? Let’s move headfirst into the month’s must-do events. And for more great seasonal happenings, why not head to our Long Island guide to the holiday season or our Long Island events calendar. As always, best to you and all those who matter to you from your friends at Mommy Poppins.

November GoList: The Best Things to Do with Long Island Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 10/27/2019 - 11:00am

Say what you will about November, but few months are more, well, American. Our national celebration of thanks bonds citizens from Port Washington to Port Jefferson and from Manhasset to Montauk.

Long Islanders this month will vote in regional elections, honor our veterans, eat some turkey, maybe watch some football, and perhaps even engage in that all-American sport of Black Friday shopping. Who needs Amazon when you’ve got Roosevelt Field, right?

November heralds the arrival of the holiday season, but before rushing into Christmas, New Year’s, and the dead of winter, why not take a few moments to contemplate the majesty of the calendar’s 11th month. Grab a sweater, go for a hike, bear witness to the foliage, compete in a turkey trot, and remember all that we love about our overcrowded, traffic-strewn piece of island real estate. We at Mommy Poppins will be right there with you.

Here are our picks for the best in family entertainment in November. Our Long Island Events Calendar offers exciting family options as they develop throughout the month, and our Fall Fun Guide will keep you and your family moving right up until that first day of winter.

Here we go.

October GoList: Best Things To Do With Long Island Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 09/27/2019 - 6:30am

Why is it the final day of the month seems to garner all of the attention paid to October? If you didn't know better, on Long Island you might assume all of the month's activities swirled around Halloween.

To which we say, there's a whole month of family-friendly entertainment just waiting to be had. Think about it: The weather is comfortably cool, ideal for picking pumpkins and hayrides. The changing leaves color the Island in natural splendor and cultural and seasonal festivals dot the landscape from Long Beach to Montauk.

Yes, the main event is Halloween; we just don't want you to overlook all this wonderful month has to offer while you are searching for that perfect costume for your little prince or princess. In the 30 days before your community's grand costume parade, make sure you find time for a fall festival, a Columbus Day celebration, even some children's theater. Kids have some down time from school this month, so why not take advantage before things turn a bit chillier.

September GoList: Best Things to Do With Long Island Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 10:06am

Kids eager for an extended vacation might not agree, but is there a finer month on Long Island than September? As summer winds down and the weather cools, the region begins its colorful transition into autumn’s pageantry.

September weekends offer seasonal and cultural celebrations and a chance to discover Long Island’s natural beauty. Immerse yourself this month in Native American culture and traditions, explore maritime history, or spend a day on the East End visiting a farm. Or maybe just explore a museum, lighthouse, or seasonal festival.

Whatever you choose, your family is bound to have fun, learn something, and make memories. Here then is our list of the best ways to keep your family entertained in this back-to-school month.

August GoList: Best Things to Do with Long Island Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 07/28/2019 - 7:10am

They call them the dog days of August, when it might seem impossible to enjoy yourself in the hot and sticky outdoors of a Long Island summer. Nonsense, we say. In fact, we here at Mommy Poppins think there’s plenty to bark about in the final full month of summer.

This month, we’re highlighting family events such as street fairs and summer festivals, family days, cultural celebrations, history, and more. Discover nature at Garvies Point in Glen Cove, watch as your kids cast a line at Captree State Park, or perhaps return to a time when games were played minus the iPad.

James Smith

Latest posts by James

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