Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia is a veteran editor and writer for Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring greater New York with her husband and their three kids and is always on the looking out for innovative, educational and fun things to do with them. She is thrilled to have this platform to share what she finds with Mommy Poppins readers.

Latest posts by Sonia

Best Family Restaurants Near the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 07/05/2019 - 10:30am

Grab an outside table on a warm night at Salvatore’s of Soho, located near Wave Hill in the Bronx.

It's no secret that the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo, and Wave Hill are all cultural gems and year-round destinations for families, all located in our city's northernmost borough. The real question on many parents' minds, however, might actually be, “but where do we eat?” As a mother of three in the Bronx, that question is easy to answer. The hard part is narrowing down the plentiful options.

The surrounding neighborhoods of Riverdale and the Bronx Park area are just as picturesque and wonderful, with a wide variety of spots to stop off for a bite. So we've rounded up several dining options near each destination where families can fill up before or after a fun-filled day.

Find more great eats in our guide to Family-Friendly NYC Restaurants, including more near uptown city hot spots like the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.

Bronx Water Playgrounds and Sprinklers to Cool Off the Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 8:30am

The splash pad at Crotona Park includes geysers that shoot straight up, as well as gentle misters for little kids.

As much as the kids might beg, not every summer day can be a pool day. That's why water playgrounds with jets, misters, and refreshing splash pads are essential to summer survival in NYC. Kids (and their grown-ups) can frolic in sprinklers and spray showers, many with nifty features like footbridges, geysers, and themed settings. We've told you about some of our favorite playgrounds with water features citywide, but the Bronx deserves a shout-out all its own. Read on for details on nine of our favorite splash pads in NYC's northernmost borough.

Find more water fun in our Beaches, Pools, Water Parks Guide, or cool NYC activities in our Summer Fun Guide.

What's New for 2019 at Luna Park, Six Flags, Sesame Place, Hershey, and Theme Parks Near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 9:38am

The grand-daddy of all the thrill rides at The Kartrite, the Nor’easter will take you and 3 others on the ride of a lifetime. Rendering courtesy of the Kartrite

Spring may have just begun, but a summer of fun is right around the corner, and NYC's favorite nearby theme parks are starting the 2019 season with thrilling new rides, stunning expansions, and stellar upgrades. Luna Park at Coney Island opens this weekend on Saturday, April 6 with new attractions, and New York State's biggest indoor water park at brand-new Catskills resort The Kartrite is set to open on Friday, April 19.

Keep this post close when planning your next theme park destination getaway. Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended stay, these theme parks are all under 2 hours from NYC. Read on for a sneak peek at what's new and exciting this year at amusement parks close to NYC, from Coney to Hershey.

Westchester Children's Museum Expansion Underway

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 11:00am

The Westchester Children's Museum has been a popular destination for kids and families since its opening in 2016.

Good news for families in and around Westchester: The Westchester Children's Museum has broken ground on a much-anticipated expansion to its already popular space.

Phase 1—now called the Hoch Laager Boardwalk Galleries and spanning approximately 6,500 square feet—opened in 2016 with interactive exhibits, play spaces, and a book nook where children can explore, play, and create. The current capital improvement and renovation project will transform the remainder of its 22,000-square-foot space into a haven for learning and creating.

8 Fun Day Trips From New York City Without a Car

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 4:12pm

Guests of all ages enjoy 19th-century music, games, and some unusual ice cream flavors at Boscobel's Ice Cream Social. Photo by Lauren Daisley

Although New York City is home to wonderful museums and cultural centers, destination day trips are a fun and easy way to give kids a change of scenery, while giving the whole fam the chance to explore nearby cities and towns. Maybe you have a touch of cabin fever, or just want to explore someplace new—either way, we've rounded up close-enough-to-home adventures for a quick trip out of the city. And the best part is, you don't even need a car! All of our picks are accessible by public transit, so no need to wrestle with traffic jams—just enjoy the commute with the kids and make getting there part of the adventure.

Pip's Island Returns to NYC This Spring With New Immersive Adventure

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 10:12am

Pip's Island returns to NYC. Photo courtesy of Pip's Island

The holiday season is winding down and many a little one may be wondering, “what next?” Well, parents, fear not. With the return of the engaging, interactive, and empowering Pip's Island, there is plenty for kids to look forward to. My daughters and I experienced this immersive theatrical adventure back in 2016, so I was delighted to learn of its return. Read on for details on the all-new adventure coming to Times Square, with tickets on sale now.

Beloved Bear Corduroy Stars in New Must-See Exhibit

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Wed, 11/28/2018 - 10:00am

The beloved bear of Don Freeman's classic children's books, Corduroy, has his own museum exhibit.

All three of my kids have been fans of Corduroy since they were toddlers, possibly because I was a fan way before they were even born. It’s impossible not to fall for the endearing, mild-mannered stuffed bear created by prolific author, illustrator, and painter Don Freeman. His two books starring the lovable bear—Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy—are among the author’s best-known works.

Naturally, when I learned that The Museum of the City of New York, one of my family’s favorite NYC destinations, was opening a new exhibit dedicated to Corduroy and a curated collection of Don Freeman’s other works celebrating NYC, I knew I’d be first in line. The exhibit is a loving tribute to Freeman, whose affection for New York City is evident in masterful works that display the intricacies and liveliness of a city like no other. A City for Corduroy: Don Freeman’s New York is an engaging, colorful display and makes for a wonderful outing for little ones and grownups alike—a fitting tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corduroy.

Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings for Holidays in Westchester

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 11/18/2018 - 1:56pm

Get into the holiday spirit at the Cross County Shopping Center Christmas Tree Lighting. Photo courtesy of the shopping center

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to herald its arrival than with the lighting of Christmas trees and menorahs? You don't have to head to Rockefeller Center to enjoy that holiday magic.

Many tree lighting events in Westchester have live music, toasty refreshments, a visit from Santa himself and—in some cases—some extra bells and whistles. Menorah lighting celebrations include parties, music, and plenty of tasty treats.

We’ve rounded up several lighting festivities, ranging from big celebrations to cozy, small-town affairs.

Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our November GoList and be sure to browse our Event Calendar. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletters to keep up to date on our latest info.

Sonia Gonzalez

Latest posts by Sonia

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