It's Hip to be a Parent

Once in a while a parent may find themselves tired of doing the park thing or perhaps sing alongs are not music to your ears-fear not good parent! New York has got the cure to mix things up in the Kid'dom. Some favorites from Alison Lowenstein, author of “City Kid New York: The Ultimate Guide for NYC Parents With Kids Ages 4-12” is Baby Loves Disco where they offer a monthly afternoon dance party at a nightclub where kids can dance and play and parents can mingle. Also, The Bell House, which is normally a concert venue, holds Bell House Rocks on Sundays for children, where they can jump in a bouncy castle and hear great children’s bands and finally Jazz Standard has a Jazz Brunch for children on Sundays.

And to find out more words from the wise (Alison) such as: "Can you please tell us some great FREE things to do w/the kids in New York City.." then check out http://codensa.org/answers-about-child-friendly-new-york-part-3 and Play Nice!

Cookin & Kids

Sometimes ya just want to spice things up and Kids Cook, in Brooklyn, allows your tyke to do just that! Check it: Not only have we found Kids Cook to be a fun activity for the young souls but it's also educational. Introducing tykes to yummy cuisines from various cultures to showing them how to prepare and make wholesome foods from around the globe. They offer classes for kids 2yrs-13yrs and even do parties. So, if you're looking for something cool and fun to do then don't miss it'cause it's time to get cookin'! www.kidscookbrooklyn.com.

All hale the budding artist

Bring out the Picasso in your tyke! Private Picasso, nominated for best artsy class in NYC, offers classes designed to hone in on the young ones artistic abilities while making the day fun and educational. They offer an array of activities in Brooklyn and New York from museum and gallery tours, group art classes, art birthday parties, workshops and more, whether you want to learn about Manga or Matisse. Heck, who needs Montmatre when you've got Brooklyn? Play Nice!

Snow days!!!! Again?

Looking for some fun activities to do to keep the little tykes entertained while mother nature pours some cool white stuff all over your neighborhood and beyond? Check out some yummy, easy cookie recipes you can do with the kiddies to keep them entertained while learning their 'ABC's"

Alphabet Cookies

2 egg whites
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces milk chocolate

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

In a bowl, whisk egg whites. Sift corn starch and flour. Add to bowl. Add sugar and vanilla to bowl. Fold dry ingredients in using a large wooden spoon. Then spoon into a plastic zip lock back and seal. Make a small cut in one corner of the plastic bag.

Line cookie sheet with baking paper. Squeeze plastic bag to make letters of the alphabet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on racks.

Melt chocolate in microwave then spoon into a plastic zip lock bag. Cut a whole and squeeze over each letter of the alphabet.
It's as easy as ABC!

For more fun and easy recipes to do with your babes check out-http://www.easy-kids-recipes.com/cookie-recipes.html.

For alphabet cutouts check out: www.coppergifts.com/productcart/pc/catalog/cg2-3205_300.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.coppergifts.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp%3Fidcategory%3D0%26idproduct%3D3205&usg=__ZfarCJny_kgdITl_MofYk5WWY0Q=&h=300&w=300&sz=23&hl=en&start=26&sig2=PiZMd-L2imOtiUHOJFLreQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=B4i6kRyVE9yzUM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dabc%2Bcookies%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1&ei=B_t6S8pQz-PxBoDLzNAE

Enjoy and don't forget to share with your sledding buddies. Play Nice~

Slippin' and a Slidin'

Now that the snow boots have been dusted, and the white stuff has fallen' there's nothing to do but enjoy! And when we say enjoy we really mean get out there and sled! Sled we say!
And thanks to the Brooklyn Blog Brokelyn they direct you to where you can find cool sleds at a good price $9.99-$29.99 on Save on Fifth in Park Slope. Go ahead and get the low down from them here http://www.brokelyn.com/eureka-late-season-sleds-in-park-slope/ and get your 'sled on'!

Where Free & Fun go Hand in Hand!

Start your new year off on the good foot with fun times on the cheap. Every first Saturday of each month the Brooklyn Museum hosts "Target Firs Saturday's" which offer free admission fromp 5pm-11pm. This event is full of art and entertainment for adults and kiddies alike. So, check it out as this evening is the first Saturday of the New Year! Do it Up and Do it Right!
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php

Play Nice-x

Winter Fun!

A little bird (aka the Brooklyn Eagle) told us that Gumbo, on Atlantic Avenue, has got it going on this winter! You can take the wee-ones there to fight those indoor blues. There is a pleuthora of activities that'll keep them happy. They have Rolie Polie Guacomole's, Brooklyn newest kid band, playing some jams for the kids to move to or you can have them learn sign language at Baby Fingers, African dance, crafts and infant cpr. Put on that winter coat and hat and visit Gumbo @ 493 Atlantic Ave or give them a buzz 718.855.7808 to find out the fun going on! Play Nice.

Gardening! Not just for the warm weather!

Brooklyn's Botanical Children's Garden is certainly not hibernating this winter! While certain animals, plants and flowers snooze through the cold months the Garden is in full bloom with activities abound. Little ones have the opportunity to work in the green house, plant in cold frames and explore the garden! Definitely a place to visit this winter! The kiddies will love you for it. Check it out for more details-http://www.bbg.org/edu/children/childrensgarden.html

Bring it on In!

http://www.nycityexplorers.com/

Bring on the fun to the inside-naturally! Yes, you can run, jump, spin and play at some of Brooklyn's Hip Indoor Play spaces! There are plenty of activities for the babes to enjoy all over town. Check out Best of Brooklyns listing of the best of the BEST! http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/brooklyn-new-york-ny-usa/best-brooklyn-indoor-playspace#!

Play Nice while hanging on in!

Sunny Days are Warming Up the Brookyn Public Library:

Come Celebreate 40 years of sunny days thanks to Sesame Street. The Brooklyn Public Library is hosting the party (aka exhibition -Nov. 14, 2009-Feb. 21, 2010) where you'll find the original book art from the publishing archive; photos, scripts, show props, animation cels and sheet music! Stop by and visit your ol' pals Elmo, Oscar, Snuffy, Big Bird and the whole gang and wish them a Happy Birthday!

http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/events/sesamestreet/

Giving is what we like best (well..next to stylin in hip tee's, of course)

BKLYN Yard wants to salute Free Arts NYC. A Brooklyn based non-profit dedicated to enhancing and reinvigorating the imaginations of underserved children. This great organization uses a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs designed to help them realize their full potential.

Thank you Fine Arts NYC for making a difference in a youngsters life.
Play Nice and check 'em out..

http://www.freeartsnyc.org/about/about_arts.asp

Family Mornings at Baco Cafe in Brooklyn

The 'day of rest' just got a little easier. Bring the little ones out to breakfast at Baco Cafe in Dumbo, Brooklyn, to enjoy their 'family morning' happening on Sundays at 11:30am. Kids can enjoy themed songs, book readings, games & prizes. The menu will also make those taste buds happy (and when we say 'everyone' we mean you too mom and dad!).

http://www.bacocafe.com/site/

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it!

Bring on the white fluff Mother Nature so parents and kids (and all of the adorable pups) alike can gather through the borough of Brooklyn enjoying the wintery wonderland. A beautiful way to end 2009 and 2010 to begin.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Prospect Park, Skate Nice!

Heck, you don't need to go to Rockefeller Center to get your figure eights on this winter! You can show off your skating skillz right smack in Brooklyn, at Wollman Rink located in Prospect Park (seriously this Parks got it all). The nice thing about this rink is it is less crowded and the price is right ($5 or $6.50 for entry and rentals)! So head out there and enjoy some yummy hot cocoa, winter skating and some fun family time (plus it's a good way to tucker the little ones out! :)

http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/activities/ice_skating?o5943=

Skate Nice!

"Woooo Woooo!" goes the conductor

Kids can view the fancy cabooses of trains past and learn the history of this great city's transportation system at the MTA Transit Museum. While time allows take your cute tyke on the Holiday Express that takes them from Grand Central to the North Pole with stops at subway stations, bus stations, and Santa's workshop! This fun ride ends on January 18th, 2010-try not to miss it! This is a great museum to have kids visit during those winter months where cabin fever can take its toll. Hop on and take a ride where the fun is located in the great borough of Brooklyn- http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/#general

Brooklyn Aquarium Coat Drive

With a few days left of holiday family fun what's a better way to spend a fun filled day than at The Brooklyn Aquarium. It's a great way to teach your little one about the spirit of giving while enjoying the animals. Until the end of December, the Aquarium is teaming up with the Brooklyn Borough President’s office and New York Cares to collect new or gently used coats as part of the New York Cares Coat Drive.
For more information visit: http://www.nyaquarium.com/cares/aq/

TOP SECRET: Mission Toy

Toy Land! Toy Land! A dream land for kids and parents alike. With the holiday season just around the corner (literally)The Brooklyn Museum is the perfect place to unleash the fun in each of us. Check out the TOP SECRET: Mission Toy currently opened at the museum. This fun and playful exhibit allows your little tyke the opportunity to play in the Toy Headquarters and learn about toys from all over world. And as you all know BKLYN Yard, a huge fan of play couldn't resist and encourages all to'play nice this holiday season. Enjoy! http://www.brooklynkids.org/index.php/exh/topsecret.

The Superhero Supply Company

One of BKLYN Yards favorite shops is in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the Superhero Supply Company. What a rad space for little ones to transform into the Superhero they have forever dreamed of. And better yet, a great opportunity for their imaginations to run rampant.

The Superhero Supply Company, owned by author and screenwriter Dave Eggers, at first glance appears to be an ordinary hardware store in the neighborhood, but if you look closer those paint cans you spotted in the window actually read 'muscles'. And villians beware, there is truth serum ready to be used at any moment. This unique shop offers disquieses for the hero in all of us, robotic sharks, and even sonic booms. There are also books, great books, awesome books, books for kids of all ages (even the BIGGEST kids).

And for every great superhero there's a secret lair. So, it is only appropriate that tucked behind the walls in the Superhero Supply Company is a secret lair where students 6yrs-18yrs can be tutored in writing to help bring out the super in every kid. So, Superhero Supply Company, BKLYN Yard gives you 'Two Tees Up" for being a hero in the kid'dom world. Check it out and Play Nice! http://www.superherosupplies.com/