The best sled for your family can vary depending on many factors, such as the ages and number of kids, storage space, frequency and amount of snowfall, and more! So, here are a few options we love personally or have found through asking around and doing some research!

Do note, all of the Amazon links below are "affiliate links" - you won't pay more but I will receive a small commission from any purchases after you click on the link. This is one way in which we bloggers can keep on blogging, and we thank you!!

WHAM-O SLEDS
We were sent the Wham-o Snowboogie Animal Sled free for review and boy oh boy is it cute!! We got the wolf, which my kids went crazy about (there may have been a howl-off when we unboxed it). It also comes in fox or penguin designs. Injection molded "Easy Grip" handles for durability, rope for carrying the sled uphill and water resistant, it goes for $39 on wham-o.com. My son absolutely loves his new sled, doing down on his knees or on his tummy, my hubby had a few good runs on it as well! It cleaned up super easily (we went when the snow was melting and got quite muddy) and is very small and flat so just threw it under the bed for easy storage!

See it in action in our cute & quick 1 minute sledding adventure video here!!

PLASTIC TOBOGGAN (1-2 seater):
​This is a great bang for your buck, is super lightweight, are fairly flat for storage and stack nicely if needing multiple sleds, can carry 1-2 riders (though we have a similar one I grabbed at a local shop the day before a snow storm, shown in banner at top of post, and I've ridden it together with my 3 year old twins just fine!). They are plastic so you have to be careful or you'll crack it. This plastic toboggan is "Amazon's Choice" (affiliate link) comes in green, red, or blue.

​INFLATABLE SNOW TUBE:
If you've gone tubing at a ski resort, you know this is a super fun, fast, and comfortable way to go sledding!! They are also a great space saver, though they do require some time to inflate. This is the best selling single snow tube on Amazon (affiliate link) and here's Amazon's best selling double version (affiliate link) and triple version (affiliate link).

SAUCER / SPINNER:
​A great space saver, saucer spinner sleds are small but mighty. Great for kids, or adults who don't mind criss cross applesauce style sledding. Here's the best selling saucer spinner on Amazon (affiliate link).

SLED FOR PULLING BABY or TODDLER:
When looking for a sled to pull a baby or toddler, you'll need to make sure it has a good back on it. This cute wooden toboggon is "Amazon's Choice" baby sled (affiliate link).

OTHER FUN SNOW TOYS:
Now, I haven't tried any of these so can't give you my personal review, but they sure look fun!! If you have used them, please comment below and let us know!!

So, what do you think!? What types of sleds did you have growing up? What have you introduced to your kids so far, or what are you excited to give them in the future!? Leave a comment below!!

Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of March 7 - 13, 2019!

​Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!!

​All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion).

Click here to submit your Bay Ridge area family-friendly event or program for a complimentary listing in an upcoming events roundup!

Businesses are invited to read more about advertising with us and to sign up for our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines.

ONGOING:

• NYC Parks Summer Camp Lottery Registration: March 1 - 10 (ages 6 - 13 by July 8)
• Spring Session Learn to Swim Lottery Registration: March 11 - 18 (session March 25 - June 6)
• ​​Children born in 2015 apply for UPK (Free Pre-Kindergarten), February 4 - March 15

THURSDAY, MARCH 7:

• ​Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Game On! @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Week: Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Week: Video Games @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Week: Makerbot DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• Bye Bye Birdie @ Xaverian @ 7 - 9:15

FRIDAY, MARCH 8:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Mandarin Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Week: DIY Tangle-Free Earbuds @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Game On! Board Games @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Bay Ridge Rocks Meetup & Rock Painting @ Coffee Grinder @ 5 - 7
• Bye Bye Birdie @ Xaverian @ 7 - 9:15

SATURDAY, MARCH 9:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• "Love is Blind" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Van Halen for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​​​
• Roll-A-Rama Family Skate @ Industry City @ 1 - 4
• FREE - Build with Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Arabic Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Coloring for kids @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 3:45
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with Lego @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• Bye Bye Birdie @ Xaverian @ 7 - 9:15

SUNDAY, MARCH 10:

• registration for NYC Summer Camp lottery ends
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• Yoga for Ages 3 - 9 @ Sensory Freeway @ 10:30 - 11:15
• FREE - Summer Camp Open House @ Kings Bay Y @ 11 - 2
• Kids Hamantashen Bake @ Chabad Bay Ridge @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Chess at 3: Story Time Chess @ Industry City @ 12:30 - 4
• Bye Bye Birdie @ Xaverian @ 2 - 4:30

MONDAY, MARCH 11:

• Spring Session Learn to Swim Lottery Registration opens through 3/18 (swim session: March 25 - June 6)
• FREE - DIscovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Mandarin Chinese Storytime 普通話故事時間 @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong @ Cocoa Grinder (9504 4th Ave) @ 11 - 11:45
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Game On! @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Book Adventures - Celebrate Dr. Seuss @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess Master @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, MARCH 12:

• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Read and Play @ Sunset Park Library @ 1 - 1:45
• FREE - Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - DIY Tuesdays @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Time: Conversation Cafe @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​​​​
• FREE - Chess for Kids @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - DIY for Teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13:

• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40​​​​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - coloring for kids @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Build with DUPLO @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Game On! @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Yoga for Ages 3 - 9 @ Sensory Freeway @ 5:30 - 6:15

In a nutshell, I want to better protect my girls from the sun, and the creeps. Watch my short video, then keep reading and be sure to comment with your thoughts on girls' swimwear, the YouTube "adpocalypse" / "commentpocalypse", or your take on clothing gender norms!

Why are 95% of girls' swimwear options teeny one-pieces and bikinis? Sure, many styles are adorable. Seeing a toddler wearing a little retro-style bikini, I mean, come on, SO CUTE! But... they are not being protected, from the sun or the creeps out there. It's not 1980. In this day of social media, we're sharing photos and videos like crazy. We're sharing our own, and perhaps strangers are snapping away and sharing them without you even knowing it!

Have you heard about the latest YouTube drama? Not Momo, that's a different type of terrifying. No, I'm talking about the pedophile wormhole ring that was discovered. Apparently they're commenting with time stamps of their favorite moments and sharing videos of girls doing gymnastics, toddlers at the water park, you name it. Innocent videos. Of kids. It's sickening.

​So, YouTube, to protect children, or advertisers, or both, all of a sudden slammed on channels featuring kids. Demonetizing videos that show a bit too much skin, or touch on certain topics. And turning off comments on millions of channels, mine included. It's annoying, but they did it for a good reason. And it's eye opening. One of our vacation videos had about 30 seconds of me holding our baby twins in swim diapers. Demonetized. I hadn't had any odd time stamp comments, but does this mean it'd been targeted by the creepers? Or is it something Advertisers might not want to be associated with? Who knows... But it got me thinking.

Hoping to protect my girls from both the sun and creeps (online and in real life), I went looking for a cute tankini - board short type set. Couldn't find ANYTHING out there. Ended up getting the cute rash guard and shorts set shown in our title banner (affiliate link - only $15, great deal!!), and below are some other pretty good options that friends shared with me, but frankly, I'm still hunting for a great "girly" belly-covering tankini & board short option!! If you know of one, please comment below!! And if you're a clothing manufacturer, get on it, this is a niche that needs to be filled!!!

Here are some brands I've found with more conservative / skin covering options for girls:

• SWIMZIP (affiliate link) - has great zip up short and long sleeve rash guards for baby through adult, as well as zip-up body suits for babies and toddlers.
• UV SKINZ (affiliate link) - cute UPF options for babies through adults, and some really great skirt swim bottoms for girls!
• Lands End (affiliate link) - some cute swim short options, though these seem to be in bigger girl sizes rather than toddler, which is a general issue I'm seeing when looking for "board shorts / swim shorts"
• Nozone (affiliate link) - UPF options for baby through adult, made in Canada

Do you love Japanese food? Sushi, okonomiyaki, ramen, tsukiyaki, tamagoyaki, onigiri, gyoza, curry rice, karagi... It's SO delicious, but depending on where you live, it can be hard to find a good authentic Japanese restaurant near you! But you're in luck!! You can make most of it at home, pretty easily, and without much skill!!

My Japanese husband (not a chef in any way shape or form) has recently started a series on our YouTube channel where he uses kits and mixes found at local Asian markets (or on Amazon - some affiliate links are included below) to make our favorite Japanese Dishes at home! He tries to get our kids involved, which always adds a bit of hilarity!! Now, my husband does not know his way around the kitchen, neither of us are chefs, we don't do a lot of cooking. So... you can trust these videos are suitable and inspiring for beginners! Have no fear, just watch, enjoy, and try yourself!! 

Bonus: These videos are great if you're trying to LEARN JAPANESE (or if you're Japanese and trying to learn English, like my husband)! We hope you'll have fun picking up some useful words and phrases!

Below are the "Learning Japanese while Learning to Cook Japanese Food" videos he's done so far! Comment below with what Japanese foods (or activities, such as origami) you'd like to see him and our kids do next!!

Buy the okonomiyaki set, including the flower, sauce, kewpie mayo, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed on Amazon (affiliate link)

You can find some Japanese curry mixes on Amazon here (affiliate link).

Some of the products he used (affiliate links):

• Sushi Rice
• Dried Seaweed
• ​Kewpie Mayo
• Furikake

Here are some of our other Japanese-culture blog posts you might enjoy!!

• Shop Kutame Kigurumi Unboxing & Review

• Japan Candy Box Unboxing & Review

• Our Trip to Japan with 3 toddlers!!

I want to start this post off with a HUGE THANK YOU to King Kong Broadway, for providing us tickets in exchange for this post, but moreover, for providing my husband and I with a much needed (and LONG overdue) date night! And a thrilling one, at that!!

King Kong officially opened up on Broadway in November 2018 and has been receiving rave reviews, and I can now say personally, for good reason! Before heading to the show, I checked out their website and Instagram feed, but frankly, wasn't quite sure what to expect. A broadway musical... about King Kong? What the heck??? But now I'm here to tell you what you can expect: to be absolutely thrilled, breathless, enthralled... I could go on! And it starts from the moment you arrive at the theater. 

Their logo, with the heroine's silhouette within King Kong's shadow, love it! They've got it shining on the stage curtain when you walk in as well, so don't miss the opportunity to run up and take a photo in front of it as we and countless others did! They also have great merchandise, even water bottles with King Kong on them!

The story takes place in 1931, during the Great Depression, and we are quickly introduced to our beautiful and brave heroine, aspiring actress Ann (played by Christiani Pitts), who goes from dreaming of being Queen of the City to sleeping in Central Park and waiting in the soup line. She runs into her perceived savior, Carl (played by Eric William Morris), a film maker, who takes her on an incredible journey across the seas to Skull Island. 

Now, I want to pause here a moment to go over the incredible stage. How they were able to transform it from the streets of New York City to bobbing up and down across the ocean - they actually build the bow of the ship in front of your eyes and have it on hydraulics (I'm assuming?). AMAZING!! You actually feel like you're sailing across the seas with them!

On Skull Island, Ann is captured by King Kong, then saved by him, and finally her crew captures him and transports him back to NYC for exhibition. Because, it's all about the money, isn't it? This is the part of the story we're all familiar with. His fate is doomed, of course, which is utterly tragic and I have to admit I was very close to tears at the end. But the way they transform the characters, use King Kong's demise to inspire the characters and the audience to do the right thing rather than the easy or greedy thing. It's truly beautiful! The final song is upbeat and helps you leave the show feeling alive and excited rather than walking out bawling over the epic destruction of such a beautiful beast.

Speaking of the beast. He was basically a modern day puppet. Hung from strings, and operated by a group of hooded puppeteers on the stage and above (taking a bow, above). You could see them climb up his back and jump down making Kong's arm raise quickly and dramatically as his ROAR boomed across the theater. It was simply fascinating to watch him. They somehow figured out how to have him running across the jungle or streets of NYC, with exciting techno music, Kong staying in one spot but the screen behind him flying by, puppeteers moving his arms and legs in running motion. Your mind knew it wasn't actually running, but you simply couldn't believe otherwise. He is fast and ferocious, and this crew is nothing but masterful in its portrayal!! 

Kong's face was also spectacular. His eyes had soul, and so much emotion came through in the subtle motions made by the robotics team backstage. He's obviously not a real live gorilla, or is he?! Sometimes I almost forgot.

The story, the music, the dancing, the acting - all top notch, holding its own on Broadway and definitely well worth your time and money. But King Kong himself, he is the show stopper. He is what makes this a truly unique and unforgettable experience!!

So, make haste and grab your tickets today!! Get $55 off with code KKPVM129 here through 9/1/19! One final note, though. I personally wouldn't recommend this show for young children (under 4 years not permitted in the theater, but I would say under 7 may get afraid during certain scenes). I mean, I'm a grown woman and found some scenes downright terrifying - that roar, man, not something you soon forget!! Here's a great montage: 

This post is made possible by support from King Kong Broadway. All opinions are my own.

A couple of weeks ago I spent the day at Toy Fair New York 2019 and phew, it was a BIG day! This was my 3rd year in a row attending Toy Fair New York, which is only open to toy makers & distributers, buyers, and media. Since it's not open for you guys, the consumers, I always feel responsible and excited to walk the expo floor, booth by booth, hours on end, to find the new, exciting, and mind blowing products new to the market or coming soon. Many of these will be the hottest toys for Christmas 2019, and will be on all of your kids' wish lists! For the kids at heart out there, there are some great toys for you, too, as well as some non-toy products!! So, watch my Toy Fair New York highlights video below featuring my picks for the BEST TOYS OF 2019, and keep reading below that for some photos and details of a select few items from the video (some affiliate links are included, which provide our blog with a small comission from items you purchase - thank you)!

BEST ACTIVE TOYS:

• Brightz CosmicBrightz - LED lights for your bike frame and wheels, $13 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Easy Rollerz Heel Wheels - for toddler through adult, turn any sneaker into a roller skate! $25 - $50 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• Dexster Ezy Roller - stay tuned we have a personal review / video coming soon on this one!! You sit down on it, low to the ground, and move it with your feet (not pedals though). hard to explain, but so fun!! $120 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• Flybar My First Foam Pogo - a foam squeaking pogo for ages 3 and up, $17 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Monkey Moves Card Game - play alone, with a partner, or on teams, using cards that show various yoga / acro yoga poses to make. $15 on monkeymovesgame.com
• My Buddy Wheels by Yvolution - cute plushie covers for balance bikes! Coming soon, stay tuned on their Facebook page!
• Pulse Lightup Skates - rechargeable light pulsing roller skates. Need I say more!?  $80 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Wipeout Dry Erase Protective Gear - helmets, elbow and knee pads, and more - kids draw on them with dry erase markers and wipe off! $20 - $50 on Amazon (affiliate link)

BEST ARTS & CRAFTS TOYS:

• PixPerfect - create art gallery worthy creations with sequins! $50 for a kit on Amazon (affiliate link).
• Spyrocity by Quill On - make very cool 3D pictures using wound-up strips of paper! $27.99 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• TreeMendous Christmas Tree Ornament Decorator Kit - by the makers of the EggMazing Easter Egg Decorator Kit, it spins your ornament while you color, so fun, and comes out great!! $30 on Amazon (affiliate link) but on sale now for $16!!

BEST BABY & TODDLER TOYS:

• HenBea Light Table - light up activity table that acts as a white board - use stencils, get creative putting colors together, etc! Not available in the US... yet... see it on henbeastore.com
• Trail Master Wagon by Simplay3 - a 1 or 2 seater wagon, rickshaw style - fun for the kids, easy for the parent. The  handle comes off and flips over for more compact storage. 2-seater for $130, single-seater for $110 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• Vertiplay Wall Toys - stick these to the wall, little ones can play, make music, and more! $20 - $40 on Amazon (affiliate link).

BEST BOOKS & READING TOYS:

• Ditty Bird Song Books - great board books with popular children's songs at the push of a button! $16 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Mark My Time Digital Bookmark - digital book marks with have timers, lights, and more! $10 - $20 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Quiet Books by Piqipi - great soft books for little ones with quiet activities on each page! A couple are listed for $55 on Amazon (affiliate link) but seems like the price will be lower once the line is released. You can see them on piqipi.com

BEST COMPOUND TOYS:

• ORB Slimi Cafe - create desserts with reusable slime, squishies and other fun compounds.  Hitting the US market on March 7, 2019!! See more on orbslimicafe.com.
• SloFlo - a very cool new compound similar to kinetic sand and Mad Mattr, yet different. Very cool and worth checking out, hitting the market soon but get more info on playvisions.com

BEST COOKING TOYS:

• Hapinest by Island Genius - created by a mom and dad team, this adorable baking set comes with a cute apron, easy cook book, cookie cutters, frosting bags and reusable coupler, and a patented rolling pin that makes cookies of the perfect thickness, and dough won't stick to it! $35 atislandgenius.com/collections/hapinest.

BEST PRETEND PLAY TOYS:

• Densters Build Your Own Fort at Home - a set of clips that easily allows you to attach blankets to any chairs, doors, corners, you name it. $30 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• Little Medical School Kits - how to be a pediatrician, veterinarian, etc! Great for aspiring professionals, or imaginative kids! $50 on littlemedicalschool.com
• Pop-Oh-Ver Pretend Play - these canvas sets go over your chair to make a stove, ice cream parlor, or kitchen counter! $40 on Amazon (affiliate link)

BEST PLUSHY TOYS:

• Cubcoats​ - an adorable hoodie that folds into a stuffed animal!! How cute AND practical!!  $45 - $50 on Amazon (affiliate link).
• WowWee Pink Fong Baby Shark Singing Puppet - the faster you move your hand, the faster it sings Baby Shark! HA!!! Not on the market yet, but it should pop up here on Amazon (affiliate link) when for sale.

BEST TRAVEL TOYS & PRODUCTS:

• ClypX Car Seat Belt Positioner - an alternative to the booster, this brings the seat belt to a safe position for your child. $40 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• KidsEmbrace Character Car Seats​ - these are frankly the coolest car seats I have ever seen!!! WOW!!! From superheros to cartoon characters, $119 - $165 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Micro Luggage Easy - luggage with a built in seat so your child (or an adult!) can sit on it as you pull it through the airport - leave the stroller at home! $180 on Amazon (affiliate link).

BEST VIDEO GAME & TECH TOYS:

• Artie 3000 by Educational Insights - a coding robot for ages 7 - 12, you create the code and Artie draws. Not yet available but you can buy him soon on Amazon (affiliate link).
• My Arcade Micro Player Arcades - the classic arcade games you know and love, for your desktop! $18 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Shifu Orboot Globe - augmented reality globe that lets you learn about the world with a handy app. $60 (on sale for $50) on Amazon (affiliate link)

OTHER HOT ITEMS (not toys):

• iDecoz Phone Mirrors and Decals - hold your train pass, credit cards, check your makeup, you name it! $4~ on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Para'kito - refillable mosquito repellant bands, $19 on Amazon (affiliate link)
• Sunshine & Glitter Mermaid Sunscreen - 50+ SPF, biodegradeable (reef-safe), 80 mintue water resistant, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen!! Your skin will glitter and be protected from the sun, SO AWESOME!! $19 on Amazon (affiliate link)

In case you missed my Best Toys for 2018 video from Toy Fair New York last year, watch it below, LOTS of gooooooood stuff!