Jessica Laird

Latest posts by Jessica Laird

No Fee When You Join the YMCA Now (And More Reasons to Sign-Up)

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 11:00am

When you're a parent, the new year pretty much starts in September. Summer's over, school's back in session, and we're all getting back into our regular routines—or at least trying to, right? If you're one of the many moms and dads still attempting to fill up your kiddo's fall calendar or maybe even make some mid-year resolutions of your own, the YMCA of Greater New York just might be your new best friend.

If you've never stopped by your local YMCA, you may be surprised by just how much you're missing. Lucky for you, all locations are hosting open houses on Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, so you can take a look at all of the programs and amenities available at each location. And in addition to waiving their joiner's fee from now until October 8, 2018, we've got plenty more reasons a YMCA membership will be a total family game-changer this fall.

The Best New Jersey Party Places for Your Kids' Birthday Bash

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 09/17/2018 - 11:00am

L3 Academy's Robotics party with a touch of space fantasy. Can’t you imagine Luke getting ready to take on the Death Star? Photo by Ryan McCann

Call off the online search! Close out the spreadsheet! We've rounded up some of the best New Jersey birthday venues for kids and teens so that you can spend more time celebrating you kiddo and less time frantically party planning from your iPhone. From awesome indoor amusement parks and fun-filled playspaces, to STEMtastic activities, cookie baking, and real-life escape rooms, there's something for birthday girls and boys of all ages.

Looking for even more ideas? Head over to the New Jersey Party Guide, or browse our directory for party places, entertainers, and even party supplies.

Awesome Long Island Kids' Party Spots

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 09/17/2018 - 11:00am

<i>Party guests can mingle with penguins at Long Island Aquarium.</i>

Can you believe your kiddo is about to be another year older? Or that you already have another birthday party to plan?

Well, at least you can forget the stress of venue searching! We've rounded up some of the best party places across Long Island, offering everything from totally cool crafts and fun-filled themed bashes, to exciting museum and aquarium adventures, to action-packed gymnastics and rock climbing celebrations for birthday tots to tweens.

For more party ideas, take a look at our Long Island Party Guide or browse our directory for party places, entertainers, and supplies.

Inquiry-Based Learning is Front and Center at Blue School

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 09/13/2018 - 11:00am

What does it take to be named one of the most innovative schools in the entire world? Just ask the founders of New York City's Blue School, who actually co-created the performance art phenomenon Blue Man Group more than a decade before deciding to build an educational program that embodies that same boundless energy and rule-breaking creativity. Since it first entered the scene back in 2006, the independent school for two-year-olds through eighth grade has been named one of the thirteen most innovative global schools by Business Insider and one of just six selected by Wired magazine.

Located in lower Manhattan, the oh-so-modern Blue School campus is filled with unexpected spaces including a "Wonder Room," an Upcycling Center, and a double-height Materials Library. Meanwhile, thoughtfully designed classrooms; designated lab spaces for studio art, STEAM, science, music, and drama; a gymnasium and performing arts space; and the outdoor roof and terrace are all equally reflective of the school's mission to provide students with endless opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and self-expression. (You can see for yourself at an upcoming open house or admissions tour.) Across the campus, you'll find two-year-olds exploring materials by digging their toes into mounds of clay; third graders writing non-fiction pieces about Westward Expansion through the eyes of animals who bared witness; and fifth graders studying social justice through independent research into the unknown stories of known activists.

Popular Brooklyn Preschool of Science Opens New Location

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Where can you find an enormous fish-filled 300-gallon tank and greenery growing sideways from hydroponic plant systems? How about an animatronic stuffed dinosaur, a pixel peg LED light board, and terrariums full of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and crested geckos? Well, would you believe me if I said your child's preschool...?

After nearly two decades as a New York City public school teacher, Carmelo Piazza—known by fans of all ages as "Carmelo the Science Fellow"—opened the first Brooklyn Preschool of Science back in 2013. The Brooklyn native and father of four confesses that he didn't even like science growing up, as he recalls boring slideshows and lectures, but insists that a hands-on science methodology course in college changed all that. Shortly after graduating, he accepted a teaching position at PS 261 and quickly realized the effectiveness of science in motivating kids to embrace other key subjects too.

Where to Find Awesome Classes for NYC Kids This Fall

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 08/13/2018 - 12:00pm

With a variety of classes for all ages, including programs for the whole family, the YMCA is the place for kids! Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater NY

Back to school season isn't just new backpacks and long lists of school supplies. It's also time to get your little New Yorkers signed up for fall classes!

Thankfully, this city's got something for kids of all ages, from babies and tots to tweens and teens. Whether you're looking for a morning mommy-and-me class or an awesome after school program, there's no shortage of sports, dance, art, theater, and academic options to keep everyone happily busy.

You can search through dozens of classes by type or location in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings, but we've also rounded up some of the top options for fall 2018. Take a look at these family favorites!

11 NYC Neighborhoods to Visit With Your Family This Summer

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Fri, 07/13/2018 - 9:00am

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge with Brooklyn Bridge Park in the foreground. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Whether you're a New York native, a day-tripper, or a tourist from way outta town, summer is the perfect time to explore this action-packed city. And since there's certainly no shortage of warm-weather adventures for kids of all ages, we partnered with the Big Apple pros over at NYCgo to share some of the top can't-be-missed 'hoods worthy of a visit while the sun's out this season.

From sharks to new parks, make it a summer of adventure with these hot, family-friendly neighborhoods across all five boroughs!

Is 222W80 the Upper West Side's Most Luxurious Rental Building?

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Tue, 06/26/2018 - 10:00am

Ready to treat yo'selves to an apartment upgrade, moms and dads? If you've been daydreaming about a feature-filled luxury building, then wait until you see what this new rental building on the Upper West Side has to offer. And we're not just talking elevators and doormen here... Think bowling alleys and smartphone concierge apps (um, not kidding).

222W80 is a boutique-size, all-new construction in one of Manhattan's prime family-friendly neighborhoods. Its stunning architecture, seriously spacious interiors, and premium finishes are certainly enough to catch your eye, but it's the uh-mazing list of amenities that makes it really tough to top. We spoke to Amy Rose, the CEO of Rose Associates — the building's developer and leasing firm — to get the rundown on the extensive offerings.

Latest posts by Jessica Laird

Pages