Things to do

Activities, Kids Fashion, Motherhood, Sponsored, Things to do
Summer Playground Fun Must-Haves
- 10:52 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
This summer playground fun post is sponsored by Stride Rite. As usual, all opinions expressed are my own.

The summer is playground season for our family, we take the kids to the playground daily and they always have a good time. We make the most out of it because in New York City our winters are long and harsh. Now, when I first started on this motherhood journey, I had no clue how prepared you need to be as a mom to take your kids to the playground. I figured all we need is some water and they’ll be fine. I can laugh at myself now because it’s so important to be prepared especially for playing in the sprinklers. I wanted to share a few must-haves for summer playground fun:

Swimwear

Sure, you’re not going to the pool or the beach but your kids would still need swimwear especially if they’re going to be playing in the sprinklers at the playground. I usually have my kids wear their swimwear from home just so they can get right into playing when we arrive at the playground.

Water-resistant shoes

A shoe that your little ones can run through the sprinklers and then climb the monkey bars with is important. They wouldn’t be switching between shoes so they need a pair that would work for all the different types of activities they will get into at the playground. The Merrell Hydro Sandals from Stride Rite is perfect for this because they are very durable. My son’s been wearing them for about a week now and he’s even begged me to wear them to school (it’s against the uniform policy) but he can ride his bike with them, climb, run and I don’t have to worry about him too much as they feature M-Select GRIP so he has traction on rocky surfaces.

Besides going to the playground, he’s going to be wearing them to head to the beach, waterpark and swimming classes. I love that they are quick drying for water activities with a rubber toe guard to protect his little feet.

Change of clothing and underwear

Soon as my kids are finished playing, I like to change them immediately. To avoid infections or other issues, I dry them up with a towel and have them put on dry clothes and underwear. Some playgrounds in New York City, do not have changing rooms so I always walk with a mega towel that I can hold around them for privacy.

Light snacks and water

It’s summer so hydration is very important, I like to bring them cold water as well as light snacks like fruits, cereal or popcorn.

Water toys

The kids at our local playground love water balloons so I always make sure that I bring a bunch not just for my kids but to share with other kids they will meet there. You can always walk with super soakers and other water-friendly toys, just talk to your kids about the importance of playing with them safely and under your supervision.

Sunscreen

I’ve been using sunscreen to protect my littles one’s skin since they were babies. Now, they’re old enough to put it on themselves and when I forget to give it to them, they remind me.

What are some of your summer playground fun must-haves?
Family Travel, Motherhood, New York City Kids, Things to do
School of Rock Musical
- 11:34 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
Guess who attended a Broadway show for the first time last night? Yep, the picture answers the question. My 6-year-old daughter, The Princess Fairy experienced the magic of Broadway last night at the School of Rock Musical. Y’all, the kid left the Winter Garden Theater completely inspired. All I heard from the backseat on the way home was how much she wants to act, sing, dance and her plans practice her violin way past her bedtime when she gets home.

I really don’t blame her, the show aroused my own dreams and I’m a jaded adult. The musical is based on the School of Rock 2003 film which I would really like to see now, so I can compare the two. It tells the story of a rocker, Dewey Finn who is a “freeloader” according to his friend’s girlfriend. After getting kicked out of his rock band and having no money for rent, he impersonates his friend and takes a position as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school, Horace Green.

But he’s no regular substitute teacher, instead of teaching the kids traditional subjects, he teaches them all about rock and roll and creates a band. He empowers the kids by allowing them to develop and feel comfortable expressing who they are and not just who their parents want them to be.

Eventually, the impersonation and the band is revealed but that doesn’t stop the kids from taking part in Battle of the Bands and showing their parents their skills.

The kids in this musical really own the show, I mean their talent is really incredible considering that they’re only ages 6 to 13. As a mom, it always gets me excited to see children living their dreams and having opportunities to show off their impressive talent. Here’s the trailer for the musical!

We had a chance to chat with the cast at the end and it was wonderful to see the bond that they’ve formed together and the joy of them doing what they love. They were very lovely and excited to answer all our questions about their lives on a Tony award-winning Broadway show.

Based on how happy my daughter was when I dropped her off at school two hours ago, I would say School of Rock should be at the top of your list of musicals to take your kids to see in New York City. Oh, to help you with that, ticket prices are as low as $59 with orchestra seats as low as $89. Head over to schoolofrockthemusical.com to learn more and to book tickets.

Now, I do want to share that a few words used may be unsettling for some families like the B word (once). I think it went over my daughter’s head as it happened so quickly and I didn’t react to it. The show is 2 hrs 30 mins with one intermission. The show is recommended for ages 8 and up but my 6-year-old had a blast. I would have brought my son as well but children under 4 are not permitted in the theater.

Are you a School of Rock fan?

ps: My family received tickets to attend School of Rock Musical. As usual, all opinions expressed are my own.
Activities, Family Travel, New York City Kids, Things to do
5 Things to Do With Kids At Brooklyn Bridge Park
- 11:21 am
- 0 comments
- by Adanna Dill
Brooklyn Bridge Park is hands down one of our family’s favorite New York City spots. I love being close to water, I know you’re tired hearing me say that I’m an island girl at heart but it’s the truth. There are few other places in this city that offer such a variety of fun for the entire family. The park lies beneath the Brooklyn bridge with Manhattan Bridge in the background. It’s very scenic with gorgeous views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River. More importantly, there are a ton of things to do with kids at Brooklyn Bridge Park which always makes it a wonderful experience for our little family. I wanted to share 5 of our favorite things to do and maybe on this beautiful summer Sunday, my family will head out there.

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1. Jane’s Carousel

Janes Carousel is hands down the most beautiful carousel we’ve been on to date. If you follow us on social media, you know by now that we are borderline obsessed with this carousel.

The carousel itself is beautiful but what really makes its beauty stand out is its location along the East River.

It’s so bright, beautiful and inexpensive you can’t help but feel like you’ve cheated paying only per ride. Maybe it’s the times I’ve taken my kids to the carousel but I’ve never experienced long lines which I find interesting about this epic carousel.

2. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

So this ice cream shop itself isn’t anything to call home about,nothing fancy but the ice cream is the amazing. that’s until you try their ice cream. Our family’s favorite is the Chocolate Chocolate flavor which you can find melting down my kids arms on a hot summer day. There are only a few seats inside but with so much beauty in the park, we always find a nice spot outside to enjoy our treats with a view.

3. Boats

If you have small children they will probably be excited about watching so much water traffic. It’s a good teaching opportunity to talk to them about different types boats and what they’re used for. Watching boats at Brooklyn Bridge Park is probably what excites my kids more than anything else.

4. Playgrounds

There are two really awesome playgrounds here at Brooklyn Bridge Park. One mainly for smaller kids and babies and the boat shaped one for older kids. Both playgrounds are really fun and in great condition and there are always plenty kids and friendly parents to socialize with.

5. Pizza

Whether you’re visiting or live in New York City it’s worth knowing that Brooklyn Bridge Park is home to one of the legendary Grimaldi’s pizza. In all of the years, we’ve been going to this park (even before we had kids) the only time that there wasn’t a really long line at Grimaldi’s was when it was closed. Locals and tourists love the pizza here and they have no problem waiting for it. Since the line is always so long, we’ve done it about twice but it was well worth the wait. While you wait you’d notice that it’s customary to buy a pizza and head to the lawn with your blanket.

Oh my gosh! Look at how tiny The Princess Fairy was here.

She loved Jane’s Carousel since she was a baby.

You know that I never end one of these posts without telling you the things that real moms really need to know. There are bathrooms at the park, they are not stroller friendly and isn’t horrible. If you’re potty training your kid, I’ll recommend you walk with seat covers. If you’re visiting on a hot summer day want to take into consideration that there isn’t much shade from the sun at Brooklyn Bridge Park so make sure you take some steps to protect your children skin from the sun. Here are some suggestions.

What’s your favorite thing to do with kids at Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Related: Things to do with kids in NYC – Summer Edition