Lisa Talarico

Favorite Offbeat Baby and Me Classes in Manhattan

Submitted by Lisa Talarico on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 2:00pm

Baby-and-me classes are a great way to get out of the apartment, meet other parents and bond with your new infant. We've been sampling classes all around Manhattan for the last year, and have six offbeat choices from Mandarin and sign language to mom-and-baby exercise classes and more.

However, if the thought of a class is still overwhelming your new-parent lifestyle, consider a one-off adventure to these surprisingly fun (for parent and baby!) places to hang.

Looking for cool baby classes in Brooklyn? We've also rounded up some of the best options in the borough. Check out our NYC Baby Guide or Classes Guide for more ideas.

Busy Bodies in Clinton Hill: New Play Space for Brooklyn Kids

Submitted by Lisa Talarico on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 10:30am

There's no doubt that Brooklyn is the play space epicenter of New York City, boasting about two dozen indoor romping spots for little ones to shake their sillies out. Even so, when Clinton Hill momtrepreneur noticed a need in her Brooklyn nabe, Busy Bodies was born. Offering drop-in play, a full range of kids classes, and even workshops for parents, Busy Bodies is a welcome addition to local families.

New 53rd Street Library Opens with Children's Room, Teen Zone

Submitted by Lisa Talarico on Thu, 07/14/2016 - 10:00am

The New York Public Library opened its brand-new 53rd Street branch in late June, offering some great features for families in a busy NYC corridor, including a spacious Children’s Room, Teen Zone, laptop bank, and programming and events for kids of all ages in a modern, subterranean setting. The 53rd Street Library replaces the longstanding Donnell Library that was razed in 2008. A series of setbacks, including the financial crisis of 2008 caused a lengthy delay in the construction of the new library, which sits below a luxury hotel and condo, but we think it might have been worth the wait.

Free, educational, and engaging library activities were indispensable during the early days with my son, so I was excited to check out the new library in Midtown West and learn more about its many offerings. Read on for a little preview of this gorgeous library, and don't forget to check out the trove of book suggestions, for babies to teens, for summer reading from the NYPL before you head in. Our Summer Slide Busters guide has even more library and STEAM-related fun activity ideas for NYC kids.

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