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  • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
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  • Family Travel + Momcations
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      • Submit Your Event

Bay Ridge Area Kids Events Roundup: Nov 29 - Dec 5

11/28/2018

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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 29 - December 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.

Don't miss our 1st ever HOLIDAY GUIDE to Bay Ridge and Beyond, highlighting local Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Events, ice skating spots, Santa photo opps, Holiday Markets, and more - here in Brooklyn and throughout the 5 boroughs!
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ONGOING:​
  • Register for (free) December 7th Tree Lighting & Holiday Market at Fort Hamilton Army Base​
  • FREE / Ongoing: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - spectacularly decorated houses (83rd - 86th St, 11th - 13th Ave); most up after Thanksgiving through New Year, dusk til 9 PM
  • Toy Donation: Toys 4 Kids donations through Reaching-Out Community Services
  • Toy Donation: at Bohemian Rose for NY Presby Children's Hospital - thru 12/18
  • Toy & Winter Coats/Accessories Donation: @ BRJC thru 12/31


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29:
  • High School Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 11:30​
  • FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Tell Your Story: Scary Story Creative Writing Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5:30
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​
  • FREE - Thurs, Nov 29 - Shore Road Gazebo Tree Lighting @ Shore & 90th @ 6:30
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30:
  • High School Parent-Teacher Conferences​
  • FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
  • FREE - Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
  • FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • ​FREE - Tot Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 5:30 - 6:30
  • Narrows Community Theater Production of Mamma Mia @ 8
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1:
  • Bank of America - Free First Weekends at various museums & cultural institutions
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Bay Ridge Community Resource Fair @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 3
  • FREE - Winter Wonderland & Santa Pix @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4:30
  • FREE - Holiday Family Movie Time: Home Alone @ McKinley Park Library @ 12 - 2
  • FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Lady Gaga for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​​
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • 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: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Saint Anselm's Advent Tree Lighting @ following 5 PM mass
  • Narrows Community Theater Production of Mamma Mia @ 8
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2:
  • Bank of America - Free First Weekends at various museums & cultural institutions
  • NYC Holiday Half @ Shore Road Promenade @ 9 - 11:30 AM
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​
  • FREE - Winter Wonderland & Santa Pix @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4:30
  • FREE - Solar Astronomy @ Owls Head Park @ 1 - 2:30
  • Narrows Community Theater Production of Mamma Mia @ 2
  • Chanukah Fun House @ Chabad Bay Ridge @ 4:30 - 7:30 PM
  • Chanukah Festival @ Chabad Bensonhurst @ 5 PM
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 3:
  • FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
  • FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Chess Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4:
  • FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
  • FREE - Read and Play @ Sunset Park Library @ 1 - 1:45
  • BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​​
  • FREE - Teen Manga Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30 
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5:
  • 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 - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
  • Tots & Toddlers Time @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
  • FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
  • Holiday Mini Photoshoot ($75 for 5 digitals) @ Fairytale Island @ 3 - 7
  • FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • Menorah Parade @ Chabad Bay Ridge @ 6 - 7:30 PM
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Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway!

11/16/2018

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​Enter to win this fabulous collection of gift ideas for moms, kids and babies — featuring Top Gift Picks from Create. Play. Travel.! Shopping for family and friends can be a memorable experience. It's always fun to find the perfect gift for that special someone!

This giveaway ends on December 15, 2018. One winner will be contacted through email and announced on the giveaway widget. The more entries you complete, the better of a chance you have to win!
2018 Holiday Guide Giveaway for Babies and Toddlers
Prize Collection:
(Amazon Affiliate links included below noted by " * ", we'll receive a small commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you!)
  • $50 Cake Maternity gift voucher for maternity & nursing wear *
  • Huggs contour carrier *
  • Sleep Zzz kids body pillow *
  • Toofeze Teether *
  • Silkberry Baby bamboo footies w/ easy dressing zipper (floral dandelion print) *
  • Handsocks *
  • Window Jammers travel toy
  • ciao! baby portable high chair *
  •  Revelae Kids cloth snack bags *
  • The Field Kids inventive play toy *
  • Inspirational NEST Organic crib sheet set *


This giveaway is coordinated by Create. Play. Travel. and is sponsored by the participating brands. Entrants must be 18 or older and have a US mailing address to be eligible to win.  No purchase is required to enter. The winner will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on December 15th, 2018. Create. Play. Travel. and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
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Bay Ridge Area Kids Events Roundup: November 15 - 28

11/13/2018

2 Comments

 
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Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the TWO week period of November 15 - 28, 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.

ADVERTISE in our 1st ever HOLIDAY GUIDE to Bay Ridge and Beyond, which will be highlighting local Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Events, ice skating spots, Santa photo opps, Holiday Markets, and more - here in Brooklyn and throughout the 5 boroughs! Get info here and hurry up, we plan to publish later this week!!
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ONGOING:​
  • Nov 1 - TBA: The Coop is closed for renovations
  • Register for (free) December 7th Tree Lighting & Holiday Market at Fort Hamilton Army Base​
  • Food Donation: St. Philip's Annual Canned Food Drive (drop-off points vary) - thru 11/18
  • Monetary Donation: Operation Gobbler Giving Thanksgiving through Reaching-Out Community Services
  • Monetary or Food Donation: ThanksGiving Meal Bags through Grandma's Love
  • Bay Ridge Cares: Give Thanks but Also Give Dinner - Volunteer to help or let them know of someone in need
  • Toy Donation: Toys 4 Kids donations through Reaching-Out Community Services
  • Toy Donation: at Bohemian Rose for NY Presby Children's Hospital - thru 12/18
  • Winter Accessories Donation: NEW winter hats, gloves, scarves, & socks for kids/adults @ BRJC thru 12/31

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15:
  • Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 11:30​
  • FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Tell Your Story: Scary Story Creative Writing Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16:
  • FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
  • FREE - Game On! Board Games @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
  • Thanksgiving Arty Party @ The Ridge Creative Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
  • FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Musical Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6:30 - 8:30
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17:
  • ​FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - "3 Little Pigs" WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
  • "Galaxy Penguin" March of Dimes Fundraiser @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
  • FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of The Ramones for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​​
  • FREE - Team Up to Read @ Bay Ridge Library @ 1 - 2
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Team Up to Read @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • Hansel & Gretel Presented by Regina Opera Company @ OLPH Catholic Academy @ 3
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Sing 'n Sway & Schmooze on Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 4 - 5:15
  • Christmas Family Paint Night @ AJ's Bakehouse @ 6 - 8 
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18:
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​
  • Hansel & Gretel Presented by Regina Opera Company @ OLPH Catholic Academy @ 3​
  • Thanksgiving Rock Painting & Food Drive @ Vinny's Pet Shop @ 6:30 - 8:30
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19:
  • FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
  • FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Book Adventures: Dinovember @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30​
  • FREE - Chess Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20:
  • FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
  • FREE - Read and Play @ Sunset Park Library @ 1 - 1:45
  • FREE - DIY Tuesdays @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time: iPads @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​​
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • Little Rascal Tuesday Feat. Minions & Incredibles @ Lombardo's @ 4:30 - 7:30
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21:
  • 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 - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
  • FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Teen Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Build with LEGO @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22:
  • HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Check out our HOLIDAY GUIDE (linked once launched) for restaurants catering or offering sit-down meals today!
  • Alternate Side Parking Suspended / Libraries & Schools Closed
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23:
  • Schools Closed / Black Friday (Shop the Deals on Amazon)
  • FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
  • "He Sees You When..." Paint & Movie @ Pinot's Palette @ 1 - 3
  • FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
  • FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Holiday Tree Lighting, Trolley, & Santa Pix @ OLPH Church (Sunset Park) @ 4:30 - 6 PM
  • Parents Night Out Drop Off - Surf's Up 2 @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24:
  • Small Business Saturday - Shop Local!! Free Mimosa & Muffins @ The BookMark Shoppe (while supplies last)
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
  • FREE - Vendor & Craft Fair @ Redeemer St. John's @ 10 - 3
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
  • FREE - Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Billy Joel for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
  • FREE - Schmuck the Buck Santa's Jewish Reindeer @ The BookMark Shoppe @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • Hansel & Gretel Presented by Regina Opera Company @ OLPH Catholic Academy @ 3
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Trolley Rides with Santa @ 5th Ave from 65th - 85th Streets @ 12 - 4 PM


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25:
  • ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​
  • Breakfast with Santa @ St. Pat's @ 10:30 AM
  • Hansel & Gretel Presented by Regina Opera Company @ OLPH Catholic Academy @ 3
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26:
  • FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
  • FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • FREE - Family Movie: The Good Dinosaur @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
  • FREE - Chess Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27:
  • FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
  • FREE - Read and Play @ Sunset Park Library @ 1 - 1:45
  • FREE - DIY Tuesdays @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28:
  • 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 - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
  • FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Teen Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Kids Create! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
2 Comments

Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Brooklyn 11/29-12/2 **GIVEAWAY**

11/8/2018

21 Comments

 
**12/1/2018 update: the giveaway is over and the show is mid-run but I wanted to do a quick update because we went to see it last night and it was AH-MAY-ZING!!!!! The acts were simply out of this world, jaw dropping, exciting, hilarious, beautiful, all rolled into one crazy good show! Our 3 year old twins took a nice long nap during the day so were able to stay awake and in absolute awe during the entire show (we saw the 8pm show which had a 20 minute intermission), my 5 year old unfortunately as much as he loved it couldn't keep his eyes open even til intermission, he's so bummed today!!). So that's my only recommendation, try to get the matinee show if going with small kids! But as for the show, it's truly good for all ages - I would have loved it as a date night with hubby, but perhaps for the first time in my life I enjoyed something with my kids even more than I would have alone? Seeing their faces watching it, their laughter, their "WOW!!!!!s", simply the best!!! If you can get tickets for today or tomorrow, or whenever the next time Cirque Dreams comes to town, do it!!!
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Guys!! I'm thrilled to let you all know about an amazing tour coming to Brooklyn! Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be lighting up the stage of Brooklyn's Kings Theater from November 29 through December 2. I'll be GIVING AWAY A 4-PACK OF TICKETS (enter to win below) and all can get 20% off tickets with code FAMILY (lap children under 1 year old do not need tickets, and the theater will have a stroller check).
Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Brooklyn November 29 - December 2, 2018
Featuring 20 of the world’s best acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites, audiences will be dazzled and amazed by this gravity-defying holiday celebration that is fun for the whole family.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Brooklyn November 29 - December 2, 2018
The Holiday Spectacular is making its first ever visit to Brooklyn, and they'll only be here for 4 days, so grab your tickets quick before they sell out!! Cirque Dreams Holidaze run dates – November 29th – December 2nd, as follows:
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BROOKLYN KINGS THEATER (1027 Flatbush Avenue) 
  • Thurs, Nov 29 @ 8pm: Doors - 7pm
  • Fri, Nov 30 @ 8pm: Doors - 7pm
  • Sat, Dec 1 @ 2pm: Doors - 1pm
  • Sat, Dec 1 @ 7:30pm: Doors - 6:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 2 @ 2pm: Doors - 1pm
  • Sun, Dec 2 @ 7:30pm: Doors - 6:30pm

You can purchase tickets through the Ticketmaster link here (don't forget to use code FAMILY for 20% off!!)
Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Brooklyn November 29 - December 2, 2018
Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Brooklyn November 29 - December 2, 2018
My family has been provided tickets in exchange for this promotion, and we couldn't be more excited!! Check back in after the 30th as I'll be adding my review in here (but don't wait til then to grab your tickets)!!

 And now, what you've all been waiting for - the giveaway!!! Enter to win below (open to US residents ages 18+ only). Once you leave a blog comment and click in the giveaway app that you've done so, it'll open up more options to gain extra entry points. Some are daily, so come back and keep increasing your chances!! The giveaway will end on Monday, November 12 at 11:59PM EST and the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted on November 13 (and will display in the below app). Good luck everyone!!!
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21 Comments

Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort Near NYC: Rocking Horse Ranch

11/7/2018

13 Comments

 
Family vacations are so important, for making memories and experiencing new things together, but if I'm being honest, as a mother of 3 small children, they sometimes don't quite feel like vacation to me. I just kinda feel like I'm parenting in another location, and deserve a vacation after coming back from the vacation! But this past weekend, we found the answer to our vacation woes. A super duper family-friendly ALL-INCLUSIVE resort near NYC that includes, wait for it, CHILD CARE!!! This amazing place is none other than Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, New York, just a quick 2 hour drive north from New York City (or hop on Amtrak and they'll have a shuttle pick you up from the station!).
US Japan Fam reviews the family-friendly all-inclusive resort Rocking Horse Ranch near NYC!
Full disclosure, we were provided our stay free of charge in exchange for our review and promotion. But don't worry, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased - I'm no sell out!!!

Watch our fun video here and keep reading for details on the Rocking Horse Ranch accommodations, activities, food, and more!!


ACCOMODATIONS:
US Japan Fam reviews the family-friendly all-inclusive resort Rocking Horse Ranch near NYC - great rooms for 4-6 people, including bunk beds!
The main grounds of Rocking Horse Ranch are pretty compact, which made everything super convenient! Our room was located in the Main Lodge and we could get to the pool, dining room, arcade, and theater without going outside! And it was just a quick walk outside to the other areas including the playground, stables, day care, fun barn, etc. 

They have rooms accommodating 4 - 6 people. We got the "Main Lodge AA" room for 6 people, which included 2 queen beds and a bunk bed, which my kids were over the moon for!!! Our 5 year old took the top bunk (which has built in rails) and our 3 year old twins shared the bottom bunk (I simply pulled 2 wooden chairs over to use as a makeshift rail and it worked like a charm. But frankly, everyone was so exhausted after a full day on the ranch that they crashed quickly and slept like the dead. The room was spacious and included a TV, fridge, shower/bath, toilet, 2 sinks, coffee table, dresser, and tons of hanging / storage space.

The room, like the entire hotel, had a fun ranch / cowboy / Wild West theme, and seemed newly renovated. Everything was in immaculate condition, super clean, and honestly impressed the heck out of me!
US Japan Fam reviews the family-friendly all-inclusive resort Rocking Horse Ranch near NYC!

FOOD:
As you would expect at an all-inclusive resort, all meals were included. Breakfast and Lunch were buffet style, and dinner was sit down and order off the menu, however there was no limit on how much you could order. On your first day, you must make a dinner reservation and that same time will remain your dinner time for your entire stay. We struggled with what time to sign up for, not wanting it to cut into our fun activities and also not make us rushed to get to the 8pm nightly entertainment! We settled on 6:30PM and it was perfect. The dining area itself, just like the rest of the hotel, has a beautifully decorated rustic cowboy type theme, complete with dozens of antler chandeliers, views of the surrounding forest, and a gorgeous fireplace (bring your cameras, this is one of the many great spots in the hotel for some family photos)!
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Breakfast was delicious, featuring eggs, pancakes, french toasts with strawberries, bacon, eggs, danishes, oatmeal and yogurt stations, tons of fresh fruit and individual cereal boxes, bagels, etc. You can also order eggs anyway you like, we got a bacon and cheese omelet that was ah-may-zing (be sure to scroll through the food gallery above)!!

Lunch had some standards like hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and DIY sandwiches, pastas, make-your-own bar like tacos, sloppy joes, etc. The fun part about lunch is the Character meet-and-greet. Even though they weren't well-known characters from TV, our kids were so excited to hug and high-five Betsy the Horse, a Prospector, and a Cowboy (see below)!
US Japan Fam reviews the family-friendly all-inclusive resort Rocking Horse Ranch near NYC - fun dining with character meet & greets!
Dinner consisted of a soup, a salad, 2 appetizers, 6 or so main dishes, and 2 sides. Menus of all meals are posted before each meal outside the dining room, just in case you want to go over it before sitting down at the table, which can be a crazy time for families like mine! You could order as much as you wanted, and even order basics not on the menu that might be more picky-kid-friendly, pizza for example. As hard as it is with all that endless food to devouer, I encourage you to SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT because they have a to-die-for selection of pies, as well as soft serve ice cream sundae bar, cookies, etc. YUMMMMMMM!!!!!

There are two self-serve drink bars in the dining room, with all kinds of sodas, whole milk, chocolate milk, water, and flavored waters. A separate server comes around in case you want to order alcohol at dinner, which is not included. There is also a 24-hour coffee / hot chocolate / pastry station located in one of the common areas near the lobby - all free, of course!

CHILD CARE / DAY CAMP:
US Japan Fam reviews the family-friendly all-inclusive resort Rocking Horse Ranch near NYC, with free child care / day camp for ages 3 - 12.
At Rocking Horse Ranch, child care (or "day camp" if you prefer) is free of charge for ages 3 - 12, and $12 per hour per child under the age of 3! No reservations needed, just drop-in between 9am - 5pm and pick them back up whenever! Use as long or as often as needed during your stay! It was SO AMAZING, I don't ever want to go on "vacation" again without a child care option LOL! Not only was it great to get some (free) alone time with my husband, but the kids LOVED it there! They actually begged to go back!! They have 2 rooms, one for ages 0-5, and one for ages 6-12. They have tons of age-appropriate activities in the rooms, but they also give the kids the option to go on trips outside to the various activities. They took our kids moon jumping, to see the animals, to the play ground, etc!

PONY RIDES & HORSE BACK RIDING:
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch with free horseback riding!
Now, it wouldn't be a RANCH without some horses and other animals, and they are certainly in abundance here! With over 100 horses to ride, they're able to guarantee a free daily trail ride to every guest (must be 48" and above, under 48" can take pony rides). You'll need to select a time (same daily) for your ride, but you can also get extra rides waiting standby at other ride times. We met some girls who were riding 3 times a day! They accommodate any level, from first-time beginners (like us) to intermediate (walk-trot) and advanced (walk-trot-canter). You can attend a demonstration to learn more about the horses, the stable, and how to ride, or you can wing it as we did - the staff will give you a 30-second instruction about how to hold the reins and control the horse, and then you're on your own to keep your horse in check as you head out with a group on your 45 minute trail ride.

I'm not gonna lie, I was rather terrified. Those horses are huge and while they're tame and more or less know what to do because they do the same trail ride several times a day, you had to be careful not to let your horse get too close to the next horse or else they might spook each other or bite or whatever, oh my gosh it was very nerve wracking for me. There are wranglers riding along with the group though, and they gallop over to come to help out within a few seconds (nothing major happened on our ride, just a few horses got out of line to munch on some grass and occasionally a rider needed help getting back in line). I'm very proud of myself that I did it, despite my fear, but we decided not to go back for a second ride haha! My sore butt thanked me.
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch with free horseback riding & pony rides!
Our kids, on the other hand, were absolutely in love with their pony rides!! The last time Emi had a chance to ride, a year ago at 2 years old, she was so petrified she wouldn't even touch the horse. But this time, she was so happy to be up on that pony. All of them were. And my heart nearly exploded with the cuteness of it all!!!

INDOOR WATER PARK: 
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch with free indoor water park!
​Rocking Horse Ranch has a great indoor water park area with a big pool in the lower section (with a fun bobbing platform area to walk across), a nice splash area for the younger crowd in the upper section (with 1 small and 2 medium sized slides), and a MONSTER of a water slide for the older kids and adults. That slide is 250 feet long, and let me warn you, you go FAST!!! It is really really fun!!! I was shocked my 5 year old was brave enough to go it alone, but he did and he loved it, rode it about 5 times during our stay!!

The water and air temperatures in there are kept at a balmy 85 degrees fahrenheit, so no chills to worry about, and they also have great life jackets for the kids to wear (for 30-50 pounds). Down one flight of stairs (which isn't kept as warm, so you'll need to dry off or bundle up) you'll find bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and saunas. Or you can run through the hallways from your room to the pool in your bathing suits, as we did haha!
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch with free indoor water park!

ACTIVITIES, ANIMALS, & ENTERTAINMENT:
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort near NYC
No matter your age or interest, you will find plenty to do at Rocking Horse Ranch, and nearly all of it is free of charge for guests (the only things I ran across that cost extra were alcohol, arcade games, and mining camp, but anything that costs extra will be noted so on the daily activity guides).

​In the indoor Fun Barn (pictured above) you'll find a bouncy house, large jungle gym with lots of foam ball shooting devices, badminton, ping pong, and electric rock climbing. Outside of that, you'll find 3 moon jumping trampolines (pictured below) and a rock climbing platform.
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort near NYC
Near the stables, you'll find an enormous playground (pictured above), indoor BB shooting range & archery, Highland Cattle, zebra, camel, pigs, donkeys, and goats. You can watch a silversmith make horse shoes (they have over 100 horses, each needing new shoes every 6-8 weeks - be sure to watch our video to see them putting new shoes on a horse, it's fascinating!!).

Our favorite activity was definitely the mountain tubing. They have a "Magic Carpet Lift" that brings you and your tubes up, and fly down down the huge hill at super speed!!! You cannot double up in one tube, but even our 3 year olds were fine riding solo. Sometimes they'll let you go double with 2 tubes (1 person in each) and 1 person holding the leash of the other tube. We enjoyed that as well. At night they light it up in fun colors and it brings it to a whole new level of fun!
US Japan Fam reviews Rocking Horse Ranch, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort near NYC
Inside the main lodge, in the basement, you'll find the Lucky Horseshoe Arcade with pay-to-play machines as well as 2 lanes of free mini bowling, and a fun interactive floor game.

Down the hall from the arcade, you'll find the Silverado Saloon where they have daily activities such as scavenger hunts, trivia games and nightly live entertainment (we saw a great magician there).

In the summer they have more outdoor activities open up including an outdoor pool and water slide, and in winter they have snow tubing and skiing! They also have a softball field, tennis courts, horseshoe pitching, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides, and you can take a shuttle to a golf course and the Walkway Across the Hudson!
Seasonal, of course, they make a killer haunted house, with nighttime tours as well as "not as scary" (but still super creepy and gross) day time behind the scenes tours, which  my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed. They tell you how they made it, how they mange from above the crowds, use trap doors etc. Be sure to watch my video for some of the cool behind the scenes tour!

So there you have it, our family vacation at Rocking Horse Ranch in a big amazingly fun nutshell!! I'm not going to sugar coat it, this is not a low-budget vacation. But you can find deals and make a splurge, because honestly, it's SO worth it!!! Prices I've seen on their booking page range from about $349 - $979 per room per night, but don't forget, this includes EVERYTHING during your stay!

What do you think?? Is this on your list of places to visit? Have you been before? Have another place to recommend for us to try out? Be sure to head on over to our great FAMILY-FRIENDLY DAY TRIPS & WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM NYC page for some other great destinations!!
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Bay Ridge Area Kids Events Roundup: November 8 - 14

11/6/2018

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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 8 - 14, 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.

ONGOING:​
  • Nov 1 - TBA: The Coop is closed for renovations
  • Food Donation: St. Philip's Annual Canned Food Drive (drop-off points vary) - thru 11/18
  • Monetary Donation: Operation Gobbler Giving Thanksgiving through Reaching-Out Community Services
  • Monetary or Food Donation: ThanksGiving Meal Bags through Grandma's Love
  • Bay Ridge Cares: Give Thanks but Also Give Dinner - Volunteer to help or let them know of someone in need
  • Register for (free) December 7th Tree Lighting & Holiday Market at Fort Hamilton Army Base
  • Toy Donation: Toys 4 Kids donations through Reaching-Out Community Services
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8:
  • Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 11:30
  • FREE - International Games Week @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Tell Your Story: Scary Story Creative Writing Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
  • FREE - Family Gaming Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7
  • Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​
  • FREE - Estate Planning @ Bay Ridge Library @ 6:30 - 8


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9:
  • ​Deadline to Register for Gifted & Talented testing for children born 2011-2014​
  • FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
  • 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 - Makerbot DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 5
  • FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream @ Xaverian High @ 7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10:
  • 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! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
  • FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Bob Marley for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​
  • FREE - Team Up to Read @ Bay Ridge Library @ 1 - 2
  • FREE - Winter Birding @ Owl's Head Park @ 1 - 2:30
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream @ Xaverian High @ 2
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3
  • FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Team Up to Read @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
  • FREE - Build with Lego and Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 2:30 - 3:30​
  • FREE - Bay Ridge Rocks Paint Party @ Cocoa Grinder (3rd & Bay Ridge Ave) @ 6 - 8
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream @ Xaverian High @ 7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11:
  • FREE - Fall Flea Market @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9 - 4
  • ​A Midsummer Night's Dream @ Xaverian High @ 2
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12:
  • ​Alternate Side Parking Suspended, Libraries & Schools Closed (Veteran's Day Observed)
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13:
  • FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
  • FREE - Read and Play @ Sunset Park Library @ 1 - 1:45
  • FREE - DIY Tuesdays @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
  • BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​
  • FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
  • FREE - DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  • Little Rascal Tuesday Feat. Trolls @ Lombardo's @ 4:30 - 7:30
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14:
  • Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:40​​​
  • FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
  • FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
  • FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 11:15 - 12
  • FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
  • FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
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