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 November 30 - December 6, 2017! 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:​​

• ​Toy Drive for Puerto Rico at The Coop through December 5
• Letters to Santa @ Fairytale Island through December 10
• ​Toy Donation through December 12
• Rocks for Love pediatric cancer fundraiser @ Norma's Arts & Crafts til Dec 13
• Register for Brunch with Santa at Aviator Sports (event on Dec 17 @ 9am or 12pm)
• Gingerbread House Classes for kids & adults @ Sugar Coated Bakery
• Parents of District 21 elementary or middle schoolers, apply for a Community & Citywide Education Council seat by Dec 20
• Apply to Kindergarten by January 12 (children born in 2013)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30:

• Deadline to register for the Fort Hamilton Tree Lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market (event held Dec 1)
• Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• ​Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Sunset Park @ 3 - 6
• Chess @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
• Family Gaming Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7
• Senator Golden's Tree Lighting @ Shore Road Park Gazebo (90th & Shore) @ 6:30 - 8

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1:

• Deadline to apply to Middle Schools and High Schools
• Chinese Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• "Countdown Til Christmas" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 4 - 6
• Tree Lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market @ Fort Hamilton Army Base @ 4 - 9 (free, pre-registration only)
• Narrow's Community Theater Presents "It's a Wonderful Life" @ Fort Hamilton Army Post Theater @ 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2:

• Christmas Boutique @ St. Mary's @ 9:30 - 4
• Breakfast with Santa @ Holy Angels
• Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10  - 10:30
• Breakfast with Santa @ St. Johns @ 10 - 12
• Children's Water Color Portraits @ The Coop @ 10 - 1
• Christmas Craft Fair @ St. Andrew's @ 10 - 6
• Saturday Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY (Industry City) @ 11
• Free Photos with Santa @ Food Town @ 11 - 3
• Kitchen Table Band @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 12 - 2
• Family DJ Dance Party: Music of Bruce Springsteen @ Industry City (220 36th St, Courtyard 1/2) @ 12:30
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:15
• Saturday Storytime: Arabic Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Little Scientists: Science Kits for Toddlers and Preschoolers @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Christmas Oldies Concert @ St. Athanasius Church @ 7
• Narrow's Community Theater Presents "It's a Wonderful Life" @ Fort Hamilton Army Post Theater @ 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3:

• A Brooklyn Christmas Story @ St. Rosalia - Regina's Pre-K Small Gym @ 9
• Flea Market @ St. Finbar @ 9 - 4
• Children's Water Color Portraits @ The Coop @ 10 - 1
• Christmas Craft Fair @ St. Andrew's @ 10 - 2:30
• Christmas Fair @ Saint Ephrem @ 11 - 5 (Santa @ 12 - 3)
• Christmas in Richmond Town & Tree Lighting @ Staten Island @ 11 - 7
• Yellow Sneaker Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 1 - 2
• Christmas Workshop @ St. Anselm @ 1 - 5
• Narrow's Community Theater Presents "It's a Wonderful Life" @ Fort Hamilton Army Post Theater @ 2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4:

• Miss Karen's Reading & Literacy Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12 
• Chinese Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong @ The Coop @ 11
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5:

• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY: Creative Hour @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Teen Manga Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30
• Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Owl's Head @ 7 - 8​

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6:

• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage (7601 3rd Ave) @ 10 - 10:40
• Miss Karen's Science & Math Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• Child & Parent Yoga @ Raine & Riley's @ 10:30 - 11:15
• The Buttons Band kids' class @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Kids Explore: LEGO Building @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 7
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Zen Kid's Yoga Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6:15 - 6:45

I hate to admit it, but I have just about zero skill at interior design. What shape sofa to buy and which way to place it in the room, against which wall to put the entertainment center, how to add some pop of color and beauty with cushions and wall art, what type of storage units will work best for all of our 3 kids' *ahem* "stuff"... It's all lost on me!! Add to that my extreme penny pinching ways and my lack of free time, and there's no question why I'm sitting in a room that looks the way it does. Cluttered and lacking theme and unity. In all honesty, it stresses me out. And I have enough stress. I need simplicity. Beauty. Inspiration!!

When a sponsored ad by Laurel & Wolf popped up on my Facebook feed recently, I liked what I saw! I reached out right away and am delighted to be partnering up with them to review their virtual service of personalized interior design plan for one room! YESSSS!!! Keep reading for my experience and to get a coupon code so you can try them out yourself!!

You may be asking, how exactly does this work? A personalized interior designer will make over my room... without ever stepping foot in my room?? Basically, yes, and it's super easy! Here's how it works:

STEP 1:  Register
Start an account and tell them all about your space, your needs, your budget, and your design preferences. They had a style quiz which I found very helpful, asking you to click your favorite from different groups of photos, so they could get an idea of your style even if you don't know it yourself! Apparently my style is transitional, industrial, and Hollywood regency.

You'll have to take measurements, upload photos and a floor plan, and mention any items you would like to keep incorporated in the room. This is pretty quick and painless, maybe 20 minutes including measuring, drawing your floor plan if you don't happen to have one on hand (who does!??), and snapping photos.

Here's a quick slide show with some screen shots I took during the registration process:

STEP 2:  Design
Your personal interior designer will contact you (it's all on the website with message notifications via email), you'll go back and forth discussing various options, and they'll provide concept boards and a mock room layout ("style board") that you can revise together. You'll have 10 days to get through the design process, with more days being added for additional rooms. I felt a bit stressed out by the time limit at first, but it's actually a great idea, otherwise I would probably just drag my feet and never actually make any decisions! My only advice is to not start your design during a time when you have a lot going on or will be traveling.

My designer was really quick, usually replying back within a day with the revisions or next step in the plan. My specific requests were that we need a sleeper sofa, ideally an L shape with more seating than we currently have, more hidden away smart storage for toys and other stuff, and more art and such on the walls. I was blown away with her layout plan - a 180 from how we currently have the room set up, and it made so much more sense! I just don't have the eye for this stuff, I'm telling you!! I love the entertainment stand she picked out (it's a very budget-friendly one from Ikea, we actually had it in black in our last apartment but it was more trouble than it was worth to bring it with us to our new home), and the large storage unit she placed next to the sofa. The cute and comfy ottoman is another creative storage unit. And she added a little craft table for the kids, and a much nicer desk and chair for my "home office" (i.e. my desk in the corner of the room haha).

STEP 3:  Bring it to life
When your room design is finalized, you will receive the curated shopping list for you to purchase and complete your new (ah-may-zing) room. You can order from hundreds of vendors with one easy checkout process and price match guarantee! They make it super easy, with all the furniture and accessories listed for you with the price, click for details or hit "add to cart" (collage of some screen shots below) and enjoy free shipping on it all! My designer included a note at the bottom with separate links to the Ikea items she picked out, I guess they're not partnered up with Laurel & Wolf so you can't purchase directly through them.

My designer did go quite over my ideal budget, with everything totaling closer to $5K than $3K, but as I mentioned you can pick and choose what you purchase through them - for example look at all of the pillows she has lined up on my sofa, at $26 - $76 a pop, they really add up and I should be able to find similar ones much cheaper online or at a local TJMaxx or Target... Or, since she has me going to Ikea to get the TV stand and desk anyway, I could decide to just do the entire room at Ikea and do my best to find items similar to all of her recommendations and stick to the great room layout she created. That's the beauty of this, it's so flexible, and easy!! It looks like they even work with Home Depot to set you up with someone to assemble furniture, hang pictures, and more!

As far as the services and design fees go, they have a few levels:

• "Light" is $79 per room and includes accessories and decor only (with a shorter 5 day design period)
• "Classic" is $149 per room, with 1 concept per room, space planning, and unlimited revisions - for furniture, accessories, and decor. This is the plan I went with.
• "Signature" is $249 per room and includes 2 concepts per room, you choose your favorite.
• $100 extra for "Premium Designer" (has completed a minimum of 20 L&W projects with a rating of 4.5 or higher)

For someone like me who doesn't have the time or talent to design a room, it is TOTALLY worth it and I honestly couldn't recommend them highly enough!! I'm loving the design my girl came up with and wish we could go ahead and implement it now. Unfortunately, my two year old twins are still on a mission of mass destruction and I think we have another year or two to go before we can start buying "nice things" again. Pretty much we are just letting them go to town with our stuff for now. Go ahead and jump on that sofa you little monkeys, mama's going to replace it soon enough, with the awesome Wayfair L-shaped sleeper sofa Laurel & Wolf found for me! HA! 

But you, my friends, don't have to wait!!! The holidays are coming and what better gift to yourself, your partner, or kids than a room makeover!! Head on over to Laurel & Wolf now and drop in the code "usjapanfam" for your discount (good through December 31, 2017):

• 25% Off "Classic" Service
• 30% Off "Classic" Service with Premium Designer
• 30% Off "Signature" Service
• 40% Off "Signature Service with Premium Designer

Don't forget to tag @usjapanfam on social with your before and after shots - I can't wait to see how your rooms turn out!!

DISCLAIMER: I was compensated to do this review, but hey, I'm no sell out - all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely honest and unbiased!

With family so far away and not having much time off of work, traveling home for the holidays just isn't feasible for us, so 5 years ago we started a new family tradition of going on a small weekend getaway! This year, we got a car (courtesy of Drive Shop and Mitsubishi) which made our getaway much easier, no longer limited to places on a train line! We searched for a good hotel deal, requirements being that they had a Thanksgiving buffet, an indoor pool, and cost under $200/night. 

Here's our vacation highlights in video form (keep reading below if you prefer the written form haha!)

I was a bit nervous if the Mitsubishi 2018 Outlander Sport we were provided by Drive Shop for the week would be big enough for us - it's just a 5 passenger SUV and we had to fit 3 kids across plus luggage and a double stroller. But, it was actually no problem with our 2 Combi Coccoro car seats (only 15.5" wide, affiliate link) and Kenzo in his RideSafer Travel Vest! Mia ended up getting car sick and I was thankful to have her right behind me, not sure what we would have done if she was way back in the third row!

Beside it being a super cute car providing just enough space and a smooth ride, we all thoroughly enjoyed the ginormous sunroof, and hubby and I made good use of the heated seats on the cold mountain nights! We also loved the video assisted back up, that the side view mirrors automatically fold in when you lock the car - so cool (and smart), and the iPad's audio could be pumped throughout the car via bluetooth - this totally saved us as we'd never used an iPad in the car for the kids before, and it wasn't loud enough on its own. (We bought the GoGear Tablet Holder (affiliate link) for the head rest, it was so easy and worked perfectly!) The Outlander's leather seats were gorgeous and comfy, and the back seats have a 60/40 fold, not that we could use that feature what with the 3 kids in back and all. And of course, the dual USB ports helped us keep our phones and tablets all charged up! Getting an average of 25MPG with an MSRP of about $26K, the Outlander is a fab SUV and now a top runner in our search for a family ride!

We previously stayed at Woodloch all-inclusive Poconos resort during summer over a year ago (see my review here) so we were eager to check out another family-friendly Poconos property during Fall season! We found a Groupon for Pocono Manor that included breakfast and jumped on it! The hotel, rooms, and facilities were outdated but charming, what you'd expect of a mountain lodge type place. The breakfast buffet was outstanding, definitely worth including in your package!! There were lots of rooms to explore and hang out in around the hotel, including an arcade and a "movie room" that had 2 pool tables, ping pong, and puzzles and blocks and other activities for kids. They had great playgrounds and an indoor pool, but no Jacuzzi or kiddie pool unfortunately. If you want an indoor water park, you'll have to pay major moolah for a day pass at H20ooohh!, Aquatopia, or Kalahari next door (which we did stop by to check out and ate lunch there twice), or stay at Woodloch, Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, Camelback, or Split Rock Lodge.

They also had a really cute "Magical Fireside Christmas" set up across from the main hotel. Through December 24, you can explore the decorated building, visit with Santa, decorate cookies and ornaments, and more! 

About an hour north, not on the way home but a worthy detour nonetheless, we hopped a ride on the Stourbridge Line's Santa Express in Honesdale! Grab some complementary cookies and hot cocoa as you board the vintage train (make reservations and get there early or you'll have a hard time finding seats together!!). The cars are heated and decorated very cute for Christmas. They'll read a story and before you know it, Santa makes his way through the train sitting with each family for a couple of minutes to talk to the kids, take pictures, and give them a small gift (be warned, ours was a little jingle bell, my 4 year old was super disappointed (watch his face in our YouTube video), I guess he was expecting a Transformer or something LOL but for real, take care to prepare them so they don't get their hopes up, mom fail over here!!).

​Overall it was a really fun ride, about an hour total, and the train goes very slow so don't worry about motion sickness or anything. Honesdale is a cute town, as well, with lots of little shops to explore. We ate at a pizzeria across the street. The car ride back to Brooklyn from there was about 2.5 hours, so possible for a day trip, but more realistic as part of a longer Poconos weekend getaway!

We had a great weekend getaway - as "easy" and "relaxing" as any vacation can be with 3 kids under the age of 5!! Do you have any tips for family-friendly spots in The Poconos? Or a great getaway from NYC we should try out next (you can see ones we've done previously here)? 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 November 23 - 29, 2017! 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:​

• Register for the Fort Hamilton Tree Lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market by Nov 30 (event held Dec 1)
• Apply to Middle Schools and High Schools by December 1
• ​Toy Donation through December 12
• Rocks for Love pediatric cancer fundraiser @ Norma's Arts & Crafts til Dec 13
• Register for Brunch with Santa at Aviator Sports (event on Dec 17 @ 9am or 12pm)
• Gingerbread House Classes for kids & adults @ Sugar Coated Bakery
• Parents of District 21 elementary or middle schoolers, apply for a Community & Citywide Education Council seat by Dec 20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23:

• HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
• Libraries & schools closed, Alt Side Parking Suspended
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Chadwick's @ 12 - 5
• Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet @ Fort Hamilton Community Club Restaurant @ 12 - 6
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Embers Steakhouse @ 12 - 8
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Greenhouse Cafe @ 12 - 8
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ New Corner Restaurant
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Cebu
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Hunter's Steak and Ale House
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Grotto Italian Table
• Thanksgiving Dinner @ Mama Rao's Italian Restaurant

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24:

• Black Friday! Schools Closed!
• Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• "Hanging With Rudolph" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 1 - 3:30
• Holiday Trolley @ Sunset Park (5th Ave from 38th - 64th St) @ 1 - 5
• Meet Santa & Black Friday Sale @ E & J Boutique @ 1 - 7
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Teen Tech Time:3D Doodler @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 5
• Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25:

• Small Business Saturday!! Free muffins & mimosas @ Bookmark Shoppe
• Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• ​Breakfast with Santa @ Historic Richmond Town @ 10 - 1 (registration required)
• Saturday Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY (Industry City) @ 11
• Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• "Galaxy Penguin" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• Family DJ Dance Party: Music of Elvis @ Industry City (220 36th St, Courtyard 1/2) @ 12:30
• Holiday Trolley @ Sunset Park (5th Ave from 38th - 64th St) @ 1 - 5
• Thanksgiving Kitchen Tour @ Historic Richmond Town @ 1 - 5
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:15
• Little Scientists: Science Kits for Toddlers and Preschoolers @ Sunset Park @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Saturday Storytime: Arabic Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26:

• Breakfast with Santa @ St. Patrick Catholic Academy Auditorium (register here) @ 10:30
• Yellow Sneakers Puppets Singalong @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 1 - 2
• Thanksgiving Kitchen Tour @ Historic Richmond Town @ 1 - 5

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27:

• Miss Karen's Reading & Literacy Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12 
• Chinese Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong @ The Coop @ 11
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Family Movie Night: MOANA @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28:

• Kindergarten Application Period Opens!
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• ​Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Kids Create: Bay Ridge Rocks @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY: Creative Hour @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29:

• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage (7601 3rd Ave) @ 10 - 10:40
• Miss Karen's Science & Math Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Child & Parent Yoga @ Raine & Riley's @ 10:30 - 11:15
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• Little Scientists: Colors & Shapes @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• The Buttons Band kids' class @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Kids Explore: LEGO Building @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 7
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Zen Kid's Yoga Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6:15 - 6:45
• Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting @ 7 - 9

Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the 2-week of November 9 - 22, 2017! 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:

• November 9 - 16: Bounce U half and full day camp available
• Gifted & Talented "RFT" (Request for Testing) open til November 13 (for students currently enrolled in in Pre-K through 2nd Grade)
• Register for the Fort Hamilton Tree Lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market (Dec 1, free registration required and closes day before)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9:

• Veterans Day Breakfast @ Bay Ridge Manor @ 9:30
• Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• Kids' Karaoke @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Chess @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10:

• Libraries Closed
• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Veterans Day Observed)
• Parents Night Out @ Bounce U @ 6:30 - 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11:

• Libraries Closed
• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Veterans Day)
• ​Story & Movement Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 10 - 10:45
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY (Industry City) @ 11
• WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• Grand Opening @ Fairytale Island @ 12
• "Turkey Time" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• Family DJ Dance Party: Music of Beyonce @ Industry City (220 36th St, Courtyard 1/2) @ 12:30
• Tinkergarten Lantern Walk (waiting list only) @ Owl's Head Park @ 4:15 - 5:30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12:

• Flea Market @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9 - 4

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13:

• Deadline to register for Gifted & Talented Testing
• Miss Karen's Reading & Literacy Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12 
• Chinese Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Kids Create: Littlebits w/ ipads @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14:

• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• BYOBaby Playdate @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• DIY: Creative Hour @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15:

• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage (7601 3rd Ave) @ 10 - 10:40
• Miss Karen's Science & Math Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• Little Scientists: Colors and Shapes @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• The Buttons Band kids' class @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Kids Explore: LEGO Building @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 7
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• DIY: Autumn Leaf Bouquet @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  
• La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Mini Yogi's Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6 - 6:30
• Kids' Yoga Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6:30 - 7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16:

• Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• Mailbox Club: Choose Kind @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Chess @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17:

• Chinese Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Sing 'n Sway in the Neighborhood! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Hip Hop Alphabet @ The BookMark Shoppe @ 6 - 7
• Parents Night Out: Power Rangers @ Bounce U @ 6:30 - 9
• Open Mic Night @ The Coop @ 7 - 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18:

• Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• ​Story & Movement Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 10 - 10:45
• Saturday Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY (Industry City) @ 11
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• Kids Art Zone: Holiday Cards @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 1
• "Fox Family" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• Family DJ Dance Party: Karina's Funk Revue for Kids @ Industry City (220 36th St, Courtyard 1/2) @ 12:30
• Native American Giving Thanks Celebration @ Sunset Park Rec Center @ 1 - 4
• Saturday Storytime: Arabic Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Little Scientists: Science Kits for Toddlers and Preschoolers @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Parents Survival Night Out @ The Little Gym @ 5 - 8
• Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner @ Christ Church @ 6 - 9
• Concert @ Christ Church @ 6:30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19:
... nothing on the radar...

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20:

• Miss Karen's Reading & Literacy Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12 
• Chinese Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Kids Create: Thankful Turkey Craft @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  
• Building w/ LEGO Mindstorm @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21:

• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
  
• Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• BYOBaby Playdate @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• DIY: Creative Hour @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22:

• Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!
• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage (7601 3rd Ave) @ 10 - 10:40
• Miss Karen's Science & Math Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Child & Parent Yoga (FREE DEMO CLASS) @ Raine & Riley's @ 10:30 - 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• Little Scientists: Colors and Shapes @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• (CANCELLED) The Buttons Band kids' class @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Kids Explore: LEGO Building @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 7
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Zen Kid's Yoga Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6:15 - 6:45

**Enter to win this in the $600 value Toddler Fall Faves Giveaway at bottom of post**

​As a mom with 3 children under the age of 5, I've dealt with my fair share of snotty noses. I've tried a variety of baby nasal aspirators on the market, and while they all have their own set of pros and cons, there is one that I recommend hands down to all parents: the Baby-Vac! When we're talking baby nose suckers, this one sucks big time, in the best way.

The Baby-Vac is made up of a simple 3-part BPA & phthalate-free plastic design:

1. a short tube that inserts into the hose of your vacuum
2. a snot collection chamber
3. the part that inserts into your nose.

While their YouTube demo is not in English, it's still helpful to get an idea of how exactly it works, check it out here:

You can buy your own Baby-Vac on their website or Amazon (affiliate link) for $19.99, as well as Walmart, Ebay, and some pediatric offices.

You can also win a Baby-Vac in my $600 value Toddler Fall Faves Giveaway ending November 8 at 11:59 PM EST!!!

ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!

If you love dressing your little ones in the most adorable boutique clothing and accessories, but don't have time to run to the store, you're in luck! I'd like to introduce you to a really great new online shop for baby and toddler wear, Bella Rae Baby Boutique, and BONUS, at the end of this post you can enter to win an outfit from them in my $600 value jackpot Toddler Fall Faves Giveaway!!

Created and curated by a former student of fashion schools in NYC and LA, Bella Rae was named after founder Maegan Rae's daughter and fashionista-in-training. Maegan fills her shop with the best for babies and toddlers, and you can be sure they are high quality and truly fabulous.

Whether searching for an adorable outfit for bringing baby home from the hospital, a Pinterest-perfect first birthday photo session ensemble, holiday / Christmas dress clothes, or simply items that will have your kiddo named trend setter of his or her play group, Bella Rae Baby Boutique has gotcha covered!

Special occasion coming up? Party, photo shoot, or birthday? Get fancy with Bella Rae!! Here are some fun options, ranging in price from $14 - $40:

You certainly don't need a special occasion to dress your little one in the cutest clothes. Here are some adorable daily wear from Bella Rae, ranging in price from $15 - $30:

Accessories can make or break an outfit, they can also keep baby warm and protect little knees when crawling!! Check out some of Bella Rae's cute options here, ranging in price from $10 - $15:

You can find even a fabulous Christmas outfit for your baby or toddler, check out some of the great options below, ranging in price from $18 - $30:

And of course, don't forget you can an outfit from Bella Rae Baby Boutique in the $600 value jackpot of the Toddler Fall Faves Giveaway I have running through November 8, 2017!!!

Another giveaway, guys!! I couldn't be more excited to share Mommy Scene's Holiday Giveaway, packed full of gifts for babies, kids and moms! Get inspired for gift giving this year with interactive gift ideas for creative kids, practical gift ideas for baby's first Christmas, and luxurious gifts for yourself or the new mom in your life. One lucky winner will receive this entire gift collection!

Gifts for Babies

• Crane Drop Humidifier - Grey
• Pacific Baby Hot-Tot 9oz Insulated Toddler Bottle
• aLoo Bottle Valve
• Revelae Kids Cozy Baby Sleepers
• Bonjour Baby Baskets $50 Gift Card!
• lulujo Baby's First Year blanket & cards set
• Button Diapers One-Size Diaper Cover and three pack of Daytime Diaper Inserts of winner's choice
• Toofeze baby teether

Featured in Mommy Scene's Gift Ideas for Babies.

Gifts for Kids

• Piggy Paint natural nail polish for kids
• Sleep Zzz Pillow for kids ages 3 and up
• Wild Things Animal Blankets
• Interactive Map of the World by Lil'ollo
• Soft'n Slo Squishies Sweet Shop squeezable collectibles
• The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed
• Morph by Orb Toys
• Window Jammers low-tech collectible characters
• Ocean Exploration Discovery Box by Revelae Kids
• Wizard Roll board game of magical spells!

Featured in Mommy Scene's Gift Ideas for Kids.

Gifts for Her

• Back Buddy Support Pillow
• PeachSkinSheets
• Aurorae Aqua Microfiber Beach and Swim Towel
• Aurorae Hawaiian Island Afternoon Coconut Pineapple Aromatherapy Spritz
• Mama Strut Postpartum Care System
• Fresh Wave Kitchen Kit
• Rachel's Remedy Breastfeeding Relief Packs
• Covered Goods Original 4-in-1 Cover
• Kindred Bravely Davy Nursing & Maternity Pajamas (Pant Set)
• Moody Sisters Mommy Deserves It Gift Set (Eye Cream & Nourishing Serum)

Featured in Mommy Scene's Gift Ideas for Her.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Babies, Kids, and Moms ★ Giveaway★
Which products would you be most excited to win!??
Enter to win this fabulous gift collection of prizes for babies, kids, and moms!

Don't miss entering my $600 value Toddler Fall Faves Giveaway (running through November 8 - enter to win here!!)

This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One (1) winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on December 15th, 2017. Mommy Scene and the participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

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 November 2 - 8, 2017! 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:

• Gifted & Talented "RFT" (Request for Testing) open til November 13 (for students currently enrolled in in Pre-K through 2nd Grade)
• Register for the Fort Hamilton Tree Lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market (Dec 1, free registration required and closes day before)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2:

• Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• Library Lab @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Teen Time: Musical Theater Mini Workshop (reg. required) @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 5
• El Día de los Muertos celebration at Sunset Park @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 8
  
• Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Chess @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
• Capulli Mexican Dance Assembly @ Sunset Park Library @ 6:30 - 8
  

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3:

• Chinese Storytime (Cantonese) @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Miss Karen's Gifted & Talented Test Prep (start of 8 week course) @ 9322 3rd Ave @ 3 - 4
• Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• International Games Day @ Sunset Park @ 3:30 - 5
• "Who's Your Sugar" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 4 - 6
• Parents' Night Off: Decendants 2 @ Bounce U @ 6:30 - 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4:

• Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• ​Story & Movement Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 10 - 10:45
• Saturday Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY (Industry City) @ 11
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• Annual Winter Bazaar @ Christ Church @ 11 - 4
• Family DJ Dance Party: Latin, Funk, Soul & Boogaloo @ Industry City (220 36th St, Courtyard 1/2) @ 12:30
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3
• Little Scientists: Science Kits for Toddlers and Preschoolers @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Saturday Storytime: Arabic Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5:

• NYC Marathon (coming through Bay Ridge on 4th Ave - view course map)
• Autumn Park Serenade @ Narrows Botanical Garden @ 1 - 5
• Bake Sale & Kids Music (BRM Fundraiser for Bay Ridge Cares) @ The Coop @ 3 - 6

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6:

• Miss Karen's Reading & Literacy Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12 
• Chinese Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11
• ​Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 6
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Building w/ LEGO Mindstorm @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
• Chess @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7:

• ELECTION DAY @ 6am - 9pm (click for where to vote and more)!!!
• Alt Side Parking Suspended
• Public Schools Day Off
• Schools Out Camp @ Bounce U @ 9:30 - 12:30 / 1 - 4 / Full Day
• ​SLAA Basketball Clinic @ DGK School @ 9 - 3
• ​Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Fall Emojis" Pizza & Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2:30
• Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• DIY: Creative Hour @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Teen Manga Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8:

• Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage (7601 3rd Ave) @ 10 - 10:40
• Miss Karen's Science & Math Class @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• The Buttons Band kids' class @ The Coop @ 11 - 11:45
• Little Scientists: Colors and Shapes @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• Kids Explore: LEGO Building @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• Homework Help @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 7
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Laurie Berkner Show / Book Signing / Meet & Greet @ Cebu @ 4:30 - 6
• Mini Yogi's Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6 - 6:30
• Kids' Yoga Class @ Raine & Riley's @ 6:30 - 7