Yuliya Geikhman

Yuliya Geikhman is a freelance writer and parent based in NYC. She's been writing professionally since 2009 and editing since 2018 and has a degree in English education that's gathering dust in a drawer.

Latest posts by Yuliya

Running with Kids: Top Family-Friendly Races in NYC

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 04/09/2024 - 4:45pm

NYC hosts many kids'fun and competitive runs throughout the year. Photo courtesy Ronald McDonald House's Fun Run

Staying active is incredibly important for healthy development in kids, and getting kids running provides great exercise and cardio. From fun runs to themed races, NYC offers many kids running opportunities where children and parents can lace up their sneakers and pound the pavement together. Whether you and your family are seasoned runners or you're just looking to get your kids running, these races and runs are the best kid-friendly options in NYC. Of course, many of these kids running events in the spring and summer when the weather warms up, but there are kids' races year-round. Check out our favorite kids running picks below and find more ways to keep kids active in our NYC Kids' Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

Gardening with Kids in NYC: Cultivate a Green Thumb in Local Parks and Gardens

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 03/26/2024 - 1:09pm

The Queens Botanical Garden brings together youngsters from around New York City to enjoy seasonal, hands-on learning, and gardening experiences. Photo by Oliver Lopez

In the urban jungle that is NYC, it can feel like nature is hard to come by. But in reality, parks, green spaces, and community gardens brighten up the city in every borough.

Families interested in gardening with kids in NYC are spoiled for choice if they know where to look! You can start small, by growing your own indoor herb or vegetable garden or turning your small backyard space into a haven for butterflies and pollinators.

Or, you can check out one of these excellent programs for gardening with kids in NYC. You might be surprised at just how many options there are. Find more ways to create a greener future in our Earth Kids Guide for Families.

Brand-New Brooklyn Museum Education Center Invites Families to Get Hands-on with Art

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Mon, 02/12/2024 - 11:28am

At the newly opened Brooklyn Museum education center, kids don't just look at art—they actually become the artists. Named the Toby Devan Lewis Education Center, this large welcoming space invites kids of all ages—and their adults—to get hands-on and contribute to the museum's exhibit.

Guided by friendly museum workers, kids can try their little hands at everything from crafting with clay to making their own zines. Check out what the Brooklyn Museum's new education center has to offer visitors, and start planning your trip to the Brooklyn Museum to explore this newly renovated space.

Kiddie Science Opens in Lefferts Gardens with Classes for Kids

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Sun, 02/19/2017 - 10:30am

The Brooklyn-based Kiddie Science has had a roaming presence in NYC since 2013, inspiring children wherever it set up shop. But the nonprofit tot science program finally has a permanent home.

It recently opened a STEM classes and camp spot in Prospect Lefferts Gardens in a bright and renovated space that is welcoming to all ages. The location is a work in progress with plans for outdoor gardening in the small backyard and more active experiences such as yoga in the basement.

Valentine's Day Activities for NYC Kids to Share the Love

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 02/07/2017 - 3:30pm

Who said Valentine's Day cards had to feature hearts? This year, locations around NYC are offering some creative Valentine's Day workshops and events. Children can make skyscraper Valentines, develop a love for nature, take part in a self-love project, and even make pink gingerbread houses.

Read on for the scoop on the best Valentine's Day outings with kids in NYC. If something piques your interest, click through to the event listing for full details. For more fun happenings this month, check out our February GoList, and remember, our Event Calendar is full of activities and events happening every day in New York City. Search "Valentine" or "love" to find more sweet holiday fun.

30 Fun Ways to Get NYC Kids Ready for Back to School

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Sun, 08/21/2016 - 3:00pm

Summer is ending, and with school just around the corner, we can hear the kids' groans (and parents' cheers) already. But making that leap from summer funlike water slides to the classroom chair isn't always easy. All summer we've been sharing great ways to keep the kids engaged with brainy, but fun activities through our Summer Slide Busters guide. From storytime to science experiments, we've collected plenty of activities to keep little ones busy and learning. Need book suggestions for the rest of the summer? The NYPL even shared a host of summer reading book lists for all ages, including grown-ups.

What else can you do to prepare your kids for school? Well now we're sharing 30 ideas for fun stuff to do around NYC with the rest of the summer that will get the kids' brains back in gear, from cool free drop-in classes to outdoor learning that will hardly feel like school even as they soak up a bit of biology. So read on to get started on one, five, or all of these 30 activity ideas.

NY Kids Club to Open Three New Locations in 2017

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Wed, 06/22/2016 - 11:00am

NY Kids Club will open three new enrichment centers and three more of its accredited NY Preschools in January 2017, bringing to 15 the number of locations across NYC. These new tot learning spots will be situated in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Dumbo and Cobble Hill, as well as Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Each will be equipped with state-of-the-art gymnasiums for ongoing enrichment classes and open play for members, as well as classroom space for the preschoolers.

The Dumbo location at 135 Plymouth Street in Brooklyn will house five classrooms contained within an 8,400-square-foot floor plan, while the two-story Cobble Hill location at 299 Court Street comes in at 6,000-square-feet with five classrooms. Greenwich Village's 11 Fifth Avenue location will be cozier at less than half that size and three classrooms.

The Coop: Toddler-Friendly Cafe Opens in Bay Ridge

Submitted by Yuliya Geikhman on Tue, 06/21/2016 - 12:00pm

The Coop in Bay Ridge goes beyond high chairs and French fries to deliver a truly kid-friendly cafe that families adore. This cozy cafe has a bar-like vibe and friendly staff, delectable food and drinks, and plenty of space to sit back and relax. What really sets it apart from other cafes, though, is the kid-friendly play area in the back. The Coop welcomes parents to relax and dine while their children play in a safe and fun space—all within arm's reach. Peace for the parents, fun and games for the kids.

Yuliya Geikhman

Latest posts by Yuliya

Pages