The Children's Museum of Manhattan has long made up for its small footprint the way hearty city parents do: by creatively maximizing every available square foot of space, and keeping things fresh with an ever-changing variety of exhibits that engage the public in its mission to help "children and families thrive at home, at school, and in the community."

But, as any parent pining for an extra bedroom can attest, a bit more space is always welcome in this jam-packed city, and the little kid museum will soon have a great big new home of its own. CMOM completed the $45 million purchase of the former Church of Christ, Scientist, on West 96th Street and Central Park West on December 22.

Just in time for the holiday season, American Girl gave fans citywide a shiny new gift with the opening of its brand-new mega store in Rockefeller Plaza.

The 38,000-square-foot, two-story store opened November 11, replacing its old digs on Fifth Avenue, and is sure to be a destination for lovers of these iconic dolls for years to come. While the original location offered shopping, dining, and salon services, the upgraded spot serves up even more treats for kids (matching makeovers!) and adults (plush benches!) alike.

The holidays are coming up fast, and your kids are eager to get to work on their wish lists (of course). But before anyone decides which gifts make the final cut, consider a trip to Play Fair, where the whole family can get hands on with the gotta-have-'em toys and new-to-the-market goodies that'll make this season one for the books!

Play Fair, which returns to the Javits Center on November 4 and 5 after its fun-filled debut last year, offers toy lovers of all ages an action-packed day filled with memorable performances by kid-approved favorites, special movie screenings, character appearances (including Chase and Marshall of Paw Patrol fame), tons of interactive games, and most importantly a chance to play with and buy the toys of tomorrow today. And as if that wasn't reason enough to snag tickets for your family, we have a special discount for Mommy Poppins readers.