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 August 30 - September 5, 2018!

​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.

UPCOMING / ONGOING:

• ​June 27 - August 31: Summer Meals - free breakfast and/or lunch for kids up to 18 years old at various libraries, pools, & parks (more information here).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30:

• CANCELED - Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Movie Viewing Party: To All the Boys I've Loved Before @ McKinley Park Library @ 1 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 2:15 - 3
• FREE - Teen Tech Time & Karaoke @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Teen Time: Analog Games @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Owls Head Adventurers Open House @ Owls Head Park @ 4 - 6
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31:

• FREE - First Five Years Playdate @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Summer Reading Closing Celebration @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 1
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Parents Night Out Movie Dropoff: Kung Fu Panda 3 @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8

SATURDAY, SEPT 1:

• ​FREE MUSEUMS for Bank of America Card Holders - (1st full weekend of each month)​
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• "Ocean's Daughter" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Old School Hip Hop Dance Party for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​

SUNDAY, SEPT 2:

• ​​FREE MUSEUMS for Bank of America Card Holders - (1st full weekend of each month)​

MONDAY, SEPT 3:

• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Labor Day)
• Canceled - Singalong with Dr. Alex & Friends @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45​

TUESDAY, SEPT 4:

• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30​​​​
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• FREE - Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Knitting & Crochet @ Bay Ridge Library @ 1:30 - 3
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3:30
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Teen Manga Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30

WEDNESDAY, SEPT 5:

• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for NYC Public School Students
• CANCELED - ​​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40​
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinely Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of The Beatles for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 5:30​

We are T minus 2 weeks til back to school here in NYC, so I wanted to take a moment to share with you a couple of our favorite school items we got last year - they survived to live another year - SCORE!!!

Stuck On You is an Australian brand that sells personalized, well, everything for kids and families! We're talking book bags, bento boxes, lunch bags, clothing labels, clothing stamps, pencil cases, hats, planners, you name it! Last year, we worked with them as part of our 2017 Back to School Giveaway, and were provided a personalized Book Bag, Bento Box and Cooler Bag for my son who was off to Kindergarten. (Stay tuned for our 2018 Back To School / Family Fall Favorites Giveaway going live in September!!!)

What's great is that each Stuck On You item you choose can be personalized - you choose the color, the image, text, and font! (Please see my Safety PSA at the bottom of this post!!!). It's fun for kids, and the parents!

His backpack has gotten TONS of mileage over the past year, carrying his gear to school in Brooklyn every day and even journeying to Japan and Maine with us! I love the gender neutral light mint he chose, though it did get pretty dirty thanks to a water bottle that quite often leaked. But, with a quick scrub in the bath tub it was looking good as new each time (see photos - these are after 1 year of use), so no worries there!! We got the "large" size ($44.95 on sale currently for $35.96) which fits full sized folders and holds his lunch box and everything, but they do have a mini sized too ($24.95 on sale now for $19.96) for the preschool/day care set.

We also got Bento Value Pack ($59.95) including the leak-proof bento box and bento box cooler. The cooler comes with an attached bag that zips closed to hold the included reusable ice pack, and this bag fits the bento box perfectly! The bento box has a removable partitioned insert, and SEALS SHUT when closed, meaning you could put a dip in one of the compartments and it won't leak into another compartment or into your bag when shut!! How amazing is that!!!

***CHILD SAFETY PSA***
Many warn not to put your child's name on any items that will be viewable out in the public, which usually means their backpack and jacket. The concern is the risk of a stranger seeing it and calling your child by name, making them think that it is a safe person. This is obviously a HUGE safety concern, however simply keeping their name off of their backpack won't cut it. I urge you to talk to your children regularly about the dangers of not just strangers, but "Tricky People" (read more here). In this day and age of social media and oversharenting (guilty!!), it's quite possible for your child's name and/or face to be quite well known. Not just that, but a stranger could be lurking and overhear you calling your child's name. Just because someone knows their name, or their parent's name, doesn't mean they're safe. Just because they're a stranger, doesn't mean they're dangerous. Unfortunately, even a teacher, a friend's parent, an uncle, a friend, anyone could have bad intentions. Without scaring them too much, we have to teach them to always be cautious, know to tell their caregiver immediately if ANYONE says or does ANYTHING that makes them uncomfortable. Know how to react in an emergency (scream, kick / scratch / gauge out eyes) etc. So, keep your child's name off of his or backpack if it makes you feel better (you could still personalize it perhaps with a nickname or initials or simply a logo or character they identify with), but know you need to be more proactive than that.

​My kids don't take a bus or have after school care yet, so I'm not too concerned with their names on backpacks that simply go from home to under the stroller to school cubbies, and they're always with me anyway. But once they're traveling too and from school/camp/activities on their own, I certainly plan to leave names and identifying objects off of their backpacks. However, my kids are quite familiar with "strangers" knowing them and their names on a regular basis (because of our presence on social media), so we have the talk regularly about why people know them, what a "tricky person" is, why it's dangerous to run off or linger behind me on the sidewalk, etc. At 2 and 5 years old, I'm not sure how much they really "get it", but it's a conversation that must happen, often, and it evolves as they get older.

So, what do you think!? Do you personalize your kids' stuff? How do educate your kids about "stranger danger" and "tricky people"? Leave a comment below, and be sure to follow us across social on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YOUTUBE, and stay tuned for our HUGE Fall Faves Group Giveaway!!!!!! 

Check out Kenzo sporting his Stuck on Me backpack at the airport in Japan:

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 August 23 - 29, 2018!

​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.

UPCOMING / ONGOING:

• ​June 27 - August 31: Summer Meals - free breakfast and/or lunch for kids up to 18 years old at various libraries, pools, & parks (more information here).

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23:

• Alt Side Parking Suspended: Eid al-Adha (Idul-Adha)​
• FREE - Yoga in the Park @ Marine Park @ 9
• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• FREE - PuppetMobile: The Big Good Wolf @ Owl's Head Park @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 2:15 - 3
• FREE - Stomp, Clap & Sing with Louie from Jerry Joy Music @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Music and Dance with Conroy Warren @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Craft @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Gary the Great @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Family Gaming Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7
• CANCELED - Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24:

• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Drop-Off @ Bay Ridge Library @ 1 - 4
• FREE - Family Movie @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• ​FREE - Sing-Along with Louie @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5:30
• FREE - Tot Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 5:30 - 6:30
• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8
• FREE - The Day The Earth Stood Still @ Narrows Botanical Gardens @ 8

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Pick-Up @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:45
• FREE - Much Ado About Nothing @ Owl's Head Park @ 12, 3, & 6 PM
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Bob Marley for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26:

• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 27:

• Singalong with Dr. Alex & Friends @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45​
• FREE - Book Adventures: Dream On @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28:

• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30​​​​
• FREE - Knitting & Crochet @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Summer Reading Closing Celebration: Kindness Rocks @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​
• FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30
• Little Rascal's Tuesdays (Kids' Night) @ Lombardo's of Bay Ridge @ 5:30 - 8:30

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29:

• CANCELED - ​​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - The Jolly Lollies @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11 - 12
• Tots & Toddler Time @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of Hamilton for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 5:30​
• FREE - Movies Under the Stars: Despicable Me 3 @ Col David Marcus Playground @ 7:30 - 9

​A single stroller that converts to a double stroller in just seconds, with no spare parts to lose!? This is the key feature of the brand new budget-friendly Evenflo Pivot Xpand. Keep reading for my full review and to see why it's a great choice for anyone with 1 child, twins, and siblings. And oh yeah, don't miss my demo video at the bottom to see it in action!!

**Disclaimer: I was provided with this stroller free of charge for my honest review, and there are affiliate links included (you don't pay more but I'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking). But don't worry, I'm no sell out - all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely 100% unbiased! Feel free to comment below, on social, or on our YouTube video with any questions and I'll reply ASAP!

Out of the box, the Pivot Xpand had the quickest and easiest set up of any stroller I've experienced, and we've had more than 10! Honestly, I could have done it without the manual, though that was concise and easy to understand. I had it in single mode in less than 5 minutes, including opening the box! From there, it converts to double mode in all of 15 seconds and I'm not even exaggerating. It's incredible!! This feature is definitely the selling point of this stroller - everything you need to convert from single to double stroller is built into the frame! You simply slide the top seat connectors into a higher position. Pull out the lower seat's connectors, and snap those seats on. Done!

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Key Features:

• $400 for the frame, 1 SafeMax Infant Car Seat & Base (for babies 4-35 pounds), 1 seat (birth - 55 pounds), 1 belly bar, 1 parent cup holder
• $120 for the 2nd regular seat (also 55 pound max - this is HUGE!!)
• seats convert into infant-ready bassinets (simply unsnap behind the leg rest and push down the seat)
• under basket is large and holds up to 10 pounds
• decent sized canopies with mesh peekaboo windows
• foot rests have 5 levels
• handlebar has 3 heights
• self standing fold
• converts from single to double and back to single in seconds, without need of tools or additional parts
• one hand lever recline (3 positions, including near flat) - full seat rotates, not just the back
• 22 configurations including both seats forward facing, rear facing, facing eachother, and 1 forward 1 rear facing
• large no-flat tires with great swivel and suspension
• a toddler ride on board will be available soon!
• 3 neutral colors available
• Stroller frame + toddler seat = 28.6 pounds
• Stroller frame + 2 toddler seats = 34.8 pounds
• flip-flop friendly break on far right of back axle

Of course, no stroller is perfect. There are a few less than ideal aspects I have to mention, since I pride myself on honest reviews. This is a somewhat compact tandem (especially when comparing to the last tandem I reviewed), which is great for navigating tight corners, but it also means that the seats are too close in some configurations to allow for recline or adjustments of foot rests. It's not a huge deal, you'll just need to play around with what configuration will work best for your kids. My girls prefer facing eachother, and lucky for us, this configuration also works great for full recline and use of foot rests - hoorah! One other minor issue is that when the front seat is rear facing, you'll lose some use of your basket, especially if the foot rest is down. Again, not a major issue, but something to keep in mind. The belly bars are great, but I'd love to have snack bars available (Hint hint, Evenflo, if you're reading this, get on it)! I'm not sure if they have rain covers for this stroller or have any coming out, but 2 of the Manito Beta Rain Shields should do the trick (we haven't tested those, but we love the Manito Elegance Alpha Double Rain Shield on our Joovy and StrollAir side by side strollers)!

DON'T MISS MY VIDEO DEMO!!
See how it converts from single to double, how the handle & foot rests adjust, check out the seat recline levels, canopy, the self-standing collapse, and more!

So, what do you think!? Pretty amazing stroller, right!? You can buy it now on Evenflo's website and Amazon (affiliate link).

**updated in 2019:
They also now sell the GOLD Pivot Xpand version (in many colors), check it out here.
You can buy the 2nd seat of the regular Xpand here, and the 2nd seat for the gold Xpand here.
You can buy the rider board here.

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 August 16 - 22, 2018!

​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.

UPCOMING / ONGOING:

• ​June 27 - August 31: Summer Meals - free breakfast and/or lunch for kids up to 18 years old at various libraries, pools, & parks (more information here).
• August 16 - 26: 43rd Annual Festa di Santa Rosalia (18th Ave Fest) @ 18th Ave between 68th St and 75th St

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Wild Monogram" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 2:15 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create: Slime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time & Karaoke @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Teen Time: Music Trivia @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Charades @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• FREE - Movies Under the Stars: Toy Story 3 @ Col David Marcus Playground @ 8 - 9:30

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17:

• FREE - First Five Years Playdate @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - StoryCraft @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Summer Shindig (Face of FIFTH) @ 5th Ave (73-83rd St.) @ 5 - 10
• Parents Night Out: Scooby Doo Beach Bash @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8
• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - SHSAT Test Prep @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 2
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• "The Family That Hoots Together" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - 28th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest @ Coney @ 12 - 4
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Salsa Sounds for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Mandarin Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19:

• School of Rock (Narrows Community Theater) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 20:

• Singalong with Dr. Alex & Friends @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45​
• FREE - Reading Buddies @ Bay Ridge  Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Kids Tech Time: Video Gaming @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - DIY: The Art of Kumihimo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Family Movies @ the Library @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• ​FREE - Yoga in the Park @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 7

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21:

• Alt Side Parking Suspended: Eid al-Adha (Idul-Adha)
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30​​​​
• FREE - Painting (for ages 5-17) @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3:30
• FREE - Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Haiku Poetry Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - DIY for Teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​
• FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30
• FREE - Bedtime Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 6 - 7
• FREE - Concerts in the Park ("Irish Night") @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 7

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22:

• THREE WEEKS TIL PUBLIC SCHOOLS START!!! (i.e. get those health forms and Back To School Shopping done!!)
• Alt Side Parking Suspended: Eid al-Adha (Idul-Adha)​
• ​​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• "Ele-fun!" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• ​FREE - Kids Tech Time : Karaoke @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Harry Potter Day! @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Movies @ the Library: The Goonies @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of Disney for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 5:30​
• Yoga with Erica Ginger @ Owl's Head Park @ 6:30 - 8:30
• FREE - Concerts in the Park (Sha Doobie) @ Marine Park @ 7

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 August 9 - 15, 2018!

​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.

UPCOMING / ONGOING:

• ​June 27 - August 31: Summer Meals - free breakfast and/or lunch for kids up to 18 years old at various libraries, pools, & parks (more information here).
• Free CityParks Play Sports Programs @ 38 various parks citywide
• Register for Miss Karen's Preschool Classes (beginning 9/10)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 2:15 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Library Lab: Dan Flavin and Light @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time & Karaoke @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Teen Time: DIY Album Art @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Teen DIY: MakerBot! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Family Karaoke Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• FREE - Fire & Brimstone! Addressing Climate Change in Education @ Stand (414 78th St) @ 7 - 9

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10:

• FREE - First Five Years Playdate @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Free - Build with LEGO @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Family Movie: Karate Kid @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Summer Stroll on 3rd @ 80th - 90th Streets @ 6 - 10:30
• FREE - My Big Fat Greek Wedding @ Narrows Botanical Garden @ 8:30

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Singalong Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 10:45 - 11:45
• ​FREE - Yoga in the Park @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 9
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - SHSAT Test Prep @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 2
• FREE - Yellow Sneaker Singalong @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Motown for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Mandarin Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12:

• Nothing on our radar...

MONDAY, AUGUST 13:

• Deadline to register for Advanced Learn To Swim lottery @ noon
  
• Singalong with Dr. Alex & Friends @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
  
• ​FREE - Reading Buddies @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Kids Tech Time: Video Gaming @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Family Movies @ the Library @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Movies @ the Library: Wonderstruck @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14:

• FREE - Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30​​​​
• FREE - Destroy & Construct @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3:30
• FREE - Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Knitting & Crochet @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Jewelry Making Classes @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​
• Little Rascal's Tuesdays (Kids' Night) @ Lombardo's of Bay Ridge @ 5:30 - 8:30
• FREE - Concerts in the Park (Back to the Fillmore) @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 7

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15:

• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Feast of the Assumption)
• ​​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• FREE - Stomp, Clap & Sing with Silly Jazz and Camille! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Tots & Toddler Time @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Collage Project Workshop with Nina Crews @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Teen Time: Lip Sync Battles & Guitar Hero @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of Billy Joel for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 5:30​
• Yoga with Erica Ginger @ Owl's Head Park @ 6:30 - 8:30
• FREE - Concerts in the Park (Carl Thomas) @ Ave U & Van Sicklen St. @ 7

updated since originally posted 5/27/2016 

In addition to mommying 3 littles, running this blog & Bay Ridge Families, and managing social media for a handful of companies, I'm also founder and admin to a few Bay Ridge groups on Facebook. I created the groups when my son was 3 months old, because being a SAHM with a baby was terribly isolating and I had no mommy friends or sense of community! The groups that I am most proud of, and simply couldn't live without, are the Bay Ridge Baby/Toddler/Kid Mamas groups. A group that started with just 5 members in 2013 is now a community of 4000 supportive mamas!! The following list includes businesses run by these mamas (and their partners) - local brick & mortar shops in Bay Ridge, online stores, direct sales, blogs, you name it!! Shop Local and Support Small Businesses!!

LOCAL SHOPS, RESTAURANTS & SCHOOLS:

• Bagel Schmagel (Jennifer) - local bagel shop (7510 3rd Ave)
• Bay Ridge Ballet (Patty) - dance classes for students walking to adult (127 Bay Ridge Ave)
• The Coop (Rose) - local coffee shop & cafe with indoor/outdoor play space (9504 4th Ave)
• Fairytale Island (Cathy) - indoor playground, cafe, birthday parties (7110 3rd Ave)
• ​Kaleidoscope (Inna) - local toy store (8722 3rd Ave)
• Luxe + Lace (Dina) -  luxury bridal accessory and shoe boutique (8718 3rd Ave)
• Good Shephard Playschool Co-op (Janice) - ages 2-4, Tues/Thurs 10am-noon (7420 4th Ave)
• Monroe Pub (Nicole) - pub & restaurant in Park Slope (481 5th Ave)
• Nile Boutique (Dina) - luxury dress boutique (8806 3rd Ave)
• Ogo New York (Ogo) - Boutique & Online Personal Stylist (8224 3rd Ave)
• Paco's Tacos (Sophia) - local Mexican restaurant (1504 86th St)
• ​Piano Storytellers (Jenni) - group piano lessons for kids​ (74th & 4th)
• Salvo Capelli Salon (Liz) - full service salon (699 86th St)
• Vinny's Pet Shop (Meghan) - local pet supply store (451 Bay Ridge Ave)
• Worldtots (Lulu) - preschool, free UPK, summer camp; English & Chinese instruction (6813 8th Ave & 5015 6th Ave)

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

• Filomena Photography (Filomena) - newborn , maternity & child photographer​
• Jennifer K Photraphy (Jen) - child and family photographer
• ​Nishani Photography (Nishani) - family portrait photographer
• ​Noah Bear Photography (Camilla) - family photographer
• Picture A Day by Maia (Maia) - family and portrait photographer
• RJ Lewis Photography (Ashley's husband) - Family Engagement, Weddings, Maternity
• Susanne Angela Photgraphy (Susanne) - digitals only; engagement, city hall weddings, maternity, newborn, holiday, cake smash , events, and more
• ​Visual Matter Photography (Michelle's partner) - engagements, bridal, weddings, christenings, family, boudior
• Young Love NYC (Julia) - boutique photography & videography (newborns through weddings & family sessions)

LOCAL SERVICES

• 77 Express Car Service (Catlyn) - family Owned & Operated Car Service located in Bay Ridge
• Arjune Design Studio (Nischal, Rohonie's husband) - licensed architect specializing in the Brooklyn area residential homes​
• Beauty By Lane (Lane) - licensed freelance cosmetologist specializing in cuts, color & styling; kid-friendly environment and house calls
• ​Brooklyn Ladle (Marina) - homemade organic soups
• CareerKerry (Kerry) - helping you with resumes, linked in profiles, & career strategy
• CLC Design (Christina) - interior design
• Dearest You NYC (Vanessa) - maternity, nursery, and baby registry consulting
• Diaperkind (Liz) - cloth diaper service, shop and education center (126 13th St)
• ​Exquisite Affairs Productions (Christine) - wedding & event planning
• ​​Corcoran (Yael) - Brooklyn & Manhattan realtor for Corcoran
• ​​Gigi's Sweet Revenge (Angela) - custom cakes and desserts
• Handyman Daine (Marina's husband) - local handyman for over 10 years
• Handyman Ruben (Lisa's husband) - local handyman & painter
• ​​Financial Advisor at Eagle Strategies, LLC (Amber) - financial services professional, specializing in investments and insurance​​
• Pet Sitting (Regan & husband) - pet boarding, home visits, & doggy day care
• Road to Relaxation LLC (Lauren) - independent travel planner
• ​​Stribling (Will - Amber's Husband) - real estate sales person for Stribling
• Nudelymade Beauty (Sharon) - makeup & lash artist; available for weddings, photoshoots, events
• ​Three Amigo Balloons (Nikki) - custom balloon decor for ALL occasions
• ​​Toum NYC (Christine) - authentic Lebanese food truck & catering​

LOCAL SERVICES FOR BODY & MIND

• ​Babe Ridge Fitness (Lauren) - ​​small group and Private training, children welcome
• Body for the Soul (Alexandra) - personal training and yoga​
• Clinical Social Worker (Sarah) - counseling services to children, teens & adults. Individual, family, couples & group therapy. Pre & post natal mental health. (551 Bay Ridge Parkway)
• ​Feel Integrated (Phil, husband of Stephanie) - intuitive and skilled licensed massage therapist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner ​
• ​Fit Mom Coach (Kiera) - online health and fitness coach
• Holistic Health Counselor (Frances) - holistic nutritionist and women's health coach, specializing in fatigue, digestive, skin and thyroid/adrenal health.
• ​Kundalini Yoga (Inna) - local yoga classes using movement, breath, sound(mantra) and meditation to help you to relieve stress, increase vitality and balance the mind
• Lactation Consultant (Rebecca) - helping breastfeeding mothers
• ​Make It Fun NYC (Bernadette) - private and group jump rope fun fitness classes
• Psychotherapist (Joanna) - providing both individual and relationship counseling for adults, adolescents and children, specializing in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy​
• ​Rad Mom Coach (Kacey) - coaching moms (online / phone) to find a fulfilling balance and to live more consciously, confidently, authentically & joyfully

DIRECT SALES

• Arbonne (Jennifer, Pam) - nutrition, skin care & makeup, and 30 day healthy living challenges
• Barefoot Books (Alison) - direct sales, children's books
• Beachbody (Rosanna) - direct sales - diet plans, nutritional supplements, and coaching
• Kannaway (Karen, Nicole, Fallon, Grace) CBD education and  supplements for health and wellness
• Fundadoodle (Susan & Christine) - an educational readiness program helping children develop and improve motor skills.​
• It Works (Susan) - direct sales - wraps, beauty & wellness products
• KEEP Collective (Michelene) - direct sales, jewelry
• ​Jamberry (Dawn) - direct sales, nail wraps
• ​LuLaRoe (Melissa, April, Danielle) - direct sales, women's and children's clothing
• Pampered Chef (Arin, Cinzia, Michelle, Angela) - direct sales, kitchenware
• Rodan + Fields (Alison) - direct sales, dermatoligist-created skincare products
• Scentsy (Melissa & Rosanna) - direct sales, candles
• Touchstone Crystal (Jenny) - direct sales, Swarovski jewelry
• Usborne Books & More (Christine) - direct sales, children's books for all ages
• Youngliving (Marie) - Personal and group essential oil consultations
• Younique (Katie) - direct sales, high-quality naturally based cosmetics

ONLINE SHOPS & GIFTS

• AM Print NY (Linda) - graphic design and customized print work (onesies, t-shirts, etc)
• Art Official by Design (Arin) - personalized goodies, custom name wire hangers, etc. ​
• Bookteacher.com (Stephanie) - teaching artist and bookmaker, private and group lessons
• Boutique Party Planners (Jessica) - custom party decorations and gifts
• ​Empire Coin Company (Damian, husband of Marianna) - designer of challenge coins, pins, medals, jewelry, etc
• Folk N Fab (Olena) - handmade embroidered boho style maxi dresses, shirts, jewelry​
• Little Teapot (Stephanie) - quirky greeting cards and prints
• Lots of Luv (Rosanna) - handmade flower pens, headbands, hats and more
• ​MamaLuBoutique (Chiara) - (etsy shop) handmade men’s, women’s & children’s accessories (headbands and reversible slouchy beanies) as well as women’s & children’s clothing
• Mulberry and June (Britni) - custom handmade tote bags and toddler backpacks​
• Paper Rocks Art (Tanya) - pet portraits on rocks, on canvas with acrylic or on paper with watercolors
• ​Sabross (Stacey) - handmade sensory boards
• ​Shop Little Teapot (Stephanie) - Etsy cards & prints​
• Tree Children (Miriah) - handmade toys & wares for children

BLOGS & PODCASTS

• Bay Ridge Families (Heather) - weekly local kids' events roundups & annual resource guides
• Blooming Brilliant (Christine) - parenting & early education blog
• Brooklyn BoyMom (Rhianon) - helping moms to rediscover their purpose.
• Dose of Terror Podcast (Sarah's hubby) - on horror films and media
• Peace, Love & Literacy (Alison) - dedicated to raising compassionate children with a focus on story and art
• ​US Japan Fam (Heather) - mommy blog about twins, toddlers, babies, with lots of giveawaways & product reviews

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 August 2 - 8, 2018!

​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.

UPCOMING / ONGOING:

• ​June 27 - August 31: Summer Meals - free breakfast and/or lunch for kids up to 18 years old at various libraries, pools, & parks (more information here).
• Free CityParks Play Sports Programs @ 38 various parks citywide

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Shoot for the Stars" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 1 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Library Lab: Alexander Calder and Physics @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time & Karaoke @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Teen Time: Analog Games @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Family Bowling Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3:

• FREE - First Five Years Playdate @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Parents Night Out Dropoff: The Lego Movie @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8
• FREE - Summer Stroll on 3rd @ 68th - 80th Streets @ 6 - 10:30

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - "The Big Good Wolf" Puppet Mobile @ Bensonhurst Park @ 10:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - SHSAT Test Prep @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 2
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Outlaw Country for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Mandarin Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Astronomy @ Owl's Head Park @ 8 - 9:30

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5:

• ONE MONTH TIL SCHOOL STARTS!! (1st day of public school: September 5)

MONDAY, AUGUST 6:

• Singalong with Dr. Alex & Friends @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• FREE - Reading Buddies @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Kids Tech Time: Video Gaming @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Family Movies @ the Library @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• ​FREE - Yoga in the Park @ Marine Park @ 7

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7:

• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30​​​​
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3:30
• FREE - Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Knitting & Crochet @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Movie Night! @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 5
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​
• FREE - National Night Out Against Crime @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 6 - 9

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8:

• ​​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• "Scoops and Sprinkles" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Volunteers for Wildlife present Raptors of Long Island @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Kids Tech Time : Karaoke @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Kids Create: Make Your Own Slime! @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of The Rolling Stones for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 5:30​
• Yoga with Erica Ginger @ Owl's Head Park @ 6:30 - 8