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 December 27 - January 2, 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:​

• NYC Public Schools closed for winter break (Dec 24 - Jan 1, classes resume Jan 2)
• ​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 & Winter Coats/Accessories Donation: @ BRJC thru 12/31
• Kindergarten Application open for 2019-2020 for children born in 2014 (deadline January 14)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 12
• "Cozy Llama" Family Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Family Gaming Night @ Sunset Park Library @ 5:30 - 7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28:

• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29:

• DEADLINE - Winter Session Learn to Swim Lottery Registration
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Holiday Family Movie Time: Santa Claus is comin' to town!/ Frosty the Snowman @ McKinley Park Library @ 12 - 2
• "Snowman's Best Friend" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• CANCELED - Family DJ Dance Party @ 274 36th St
• Roll-A-Rama Family Skate @ Industry City @ 1 - 4
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton 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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30:

• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31:

• NEW YEAR'S EVE!!
• FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• ​UNO's Family-Friendly Balloon Drop Dinner (reservations required)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1:

• HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
• Alt Side Parking Suspended 
• Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• (ON BREAK til JAN 8) - BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2:

• BACK TO SCHOOL!  NYC Public Schools back in session! 
• (ON BREAK til JAN 5) Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage​
• 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 - Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Annie Auditions - Ridge Chorale @ Bay Ridge Prep @ 6:30 - 9:30

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 December 20 - 26, 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.

Attention last minute shoppers, this one is for you!! Some unique (and traditional) ideas for men, women, and children!

Don't forget to check out 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! Local stuff is also being included in our weekly roundups, but stuff further away in Manhattan, Staten Island and beyond is only over in our Holiday Guide.

ONGOING:​

• NYC Public Schools closed for winter break (Dec 24 - Jan 1, classes resume Jan 2)
• ​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
• Kindergarten Application open for 2019-2020 for children born in 2014 (deadline January 14)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene - Christmas Party @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
  
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21:

• FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Around the World Through Folk Tales @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - The Dyker Singers Christmas Concert @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Makerbot DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• FREE - Library Lab @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• 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
  
• Parents Night Out Drop-off: "Grinch Stole Christmas" @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22:

• FREE - Winter Session Learn to Swim Lottery Registration opens (ends 12/29)
• 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 - 11:30
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Photos with Santa (1st come 1st served) @ Art Fun Studio @ 11 - 3
• FREE - Holiday Family Movie Time: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! @ McKinley Park Library @ 12 - 2
• "Mistletoe Rudolph" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Salsa Sounds for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​​​
• Roll-A-Rama Family Skate @ Industry City @ 1 - 4
• 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 - Vendor & Craft Holiday Fair @ Redeemer St. John's Lutheran Church @ 12 - 7 (Santa pix @ 5 - 7)
• Parents Survival Night Drop-Off "Glow in the Dark" @ The Little Gym @ 5 - 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23:

• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• FREE - Horse & Carriage Ride with Santa @ Skinflints @ 1 -  4

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24:

• NYC Public Schools closed for winter break (Dec 24 - Jan 1)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25:

• MERRY CHRISTMAS!! (Alternate Side Parking Suspended)
• NYC Public Schools closed for winter break (Dec 24 - Jan 1)
• (ON BREAK til 12/26) - Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties
• (ON BREAK til JAN 8) - BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26:

• NYC Public Schools closed for winter break (Dec 24 - Jan 1)
• (ON BREAK til JAN 5) Lavender Blues @ Dimensions on Stage
• FREE - Story Craft @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Library Lab: Roller Coaster Challenge! @ McKinley Park Library @ 3 - 4

This post was sponsored by Liberty Science Center through a Momtrends blogger campaign, however all thoughts and opinions are my own (cuz... I'm no sell out!!)!

Little by little we're making our way through my list of the best day trips & weekend getaways from NYC, as well as the best kid-friendly spots within the 5 boroughs, and this past Saturday brought us to a new one which is now one of my all-time favorites: Liberty Science Center!! In a nutshell, the entire facility and all of the exhibitions were immaculate, there were endless hands-on activities for everyone from toddlers through adults, and it's relatively easily accessible for NYC dwellers despite it being "all the way over" in New Jersey LOL!! Watch my video highlights here and keep reading below for more details about the center in general as well as some brand new exhibits!

​DOC MCSTUFFINS EXHIBIT:
Open from October 6, 2018 - January 27, 2019, this exhibit is based on Disney Jr.'s award winning children's TV series, Doc McStuffins. Children can feed newborns in the nursery, complete check-ups in the ER, care for animals in the Pet Vet, tune-up toys, and more! My kids loved every nook and cranny of this exhibit, and my girls were specially fascinated with the pretend hand washing stations, haha!! 

SHERLOCK HOLMES EXHIBIT:
Walking through this interactive adventure, you could really find yourself carried away to another time and place. Each center is meticulously decorated with forensic clues to read and examine - see first hand how blood splatter analysis works, how foot prints differ going forward and backward​, and much more!! Do note that this is a premium exhibit, meaning it's not included in general admission. You can pay an extra $6 or so to go the planetarium OR a premium exhibit, or about $10 extra to do both. Don't expect to follow along and actually solve the crime if you have little ankle biters in tow like we did (though it's still enjoyable to walk through and take it all in), but if you have older kids or adults only, spend an hour in here and have an exciting crime-solving adventure!

PLANETARIUM:
I could not believe my eyes when walking into this room, and seeing on their website that it's the "Biggest Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere", yep, I believe it!! It's massive!!!!! When sitting down, it's overwhelming and absolutely breathtaking!! When seated you pretty much had a 180 degree view from left to right, and the screen and images even wrap up and behind you a bit. We saw the "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" Sesame Street Show and it was really adorable - we learned some of the basic constellations and even traveled to China and the Moon!! Currently playing, they also have "Black Holes" and "Wonders of the Night Sky". It's not included in the standard admission fee, it's an add-on just like the "premium" Sherlock Holmes exhibit mentioned above.

OTHER NOTABLE ACTIVITIES & EXHIBITS:

• It's quite a sight to behold - a huge jungle gym hanging 35 feet in the air!!! Our 5 year old had a blast navigating through the Infinity Climber (though our younger ones cried when they found out they were too short to go in, I'm not 100% sure but it looked like the measurement stick was set at about 42" or so), you might want to let younger children know ahead of time they won't be able to go on it. (pictured below, bottom right)
• I Explore is the little toddler room, for kids ages 5 and under. If (when??) we move to New Jersey, I envision myself buying the annual family membership and bringing my kids here at least once a week (several times a week if we decide not to send the twins to preschool). They can climb, sift around in the rice sensory bin, paint with water, build, explore; it's so fun!! (pictured below, top left & right, and bottom center)
• Block Party is another fun one with younger kids - they can build massive structures, or roads, or whatever their little minds can imagine, with these huge blue foam blocks! We enjoyed making a little "igloo" (pictured below, bottom left).
• Be sure to check out their list of other exhibitions and activities here - there are just too many to go into and we didn't even get close to seeing them all during our trip there last weekend!!

Liberty Science Center is just a 40 minute drive from Bay Ridge Brooklyn (about 1 hour 15 minutes by bus / Path / NJ Light Rail), so totally doable if you plan to spend half a day there or so - great for a cold or rainy Saturday or Sunday!! They're open 9am - 4pm on Tuesdays - Fridays and 9am - 5:30pm on weekends (closed Mondays). Parking is $7. Admission is $23.75 per adult ($19.75 for ages 2 - 12), plus $6 for a combo pass (1 planetarium show OR 1 premium exhibit) or plus $10 for a Premium Pass (1 planetarium show AND 1 premium exhibit).

But here's where you can get a great deal... the FAMILY MEMBERSHIP!!! At just $175, basically the same price as 2 visits with a family of 4! It includes unlimited admission for 2 adults and 4 kids, 6 single-use passes (which can be exchanged for theater show tickets), member-only events (including member mornings and nights), and discounted theater/planetarium shows, premium exhibits, science camp, gift shop & cafe! Membership also grants you free admission to over 340 science & technology centers around the world as part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program (they must be at least 90 miles from your residence or science center where you are a member).

Thanks again to Momtrends and Liberty Science Center for hosting all of us bloggers and our families - we had a blast (above pix from our private party that included breakfast, learning about Bernoulli's Principle of Flight via 9 rolls of toilet paper, and making ice cream with liquid nitrogen - SO FUN!!)

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 December 13 - 19, 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

Attention last minute shoppers, this one is for you!! Some unique (and traditional) ideas for men, women, and children!

Don't forget to check out 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! Local stuff is also being included in our weekly roundups, but stuff further away in Manhattan, Staten Island and beyond is only over in our Holiday Guide.

ONGOING:​

• ​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
• Kindergarten Application open for 2019-2020 for children born in 2014 (deadline January 14)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13:

• 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
• Holiday Mini Photoshoot ($75 for 5 digitals) @ Fairytale Island @ 3 - 7​
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Live Production of "Wizard of Oz" @ HS of Telecommunication Arts @ 4 - 6
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​
• FREE - Candlelit Caroling @ 6823 3rd Ave @ 6 - 7:30
•  Winter Concert @ Fort Hamilton High @ 7 - 9:30 PM
  

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14:

• FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Around the World Through Folk Tales @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• FREE - Knitting @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 5
• Holiday Mini Photoshoot ($75 for 5 digitals) @ Fairytale Island @ 3 - 6:30
• 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 - Rock Painting Party @ Cocoa Grinder @ 5 - 7
• 6th Annual Kids Gingerbread Party @ The Art Room @ 6 - 8
• Live Production of "Wizard of Oz" @ HS of Telecommunication Arts @ 7 - 9

​SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15:

• 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 - 11:30
• FREE - WonderSpark Puppets "The Gingerbread Man" @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Holiday Family Movie Time: Elf @ McKinley Park Library @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of The Beatles for Kids @ 274 36th St @ 12:30​​​
• FREE - Schmuck the Buck Santa's Jewish Reindeer @ BookMark Shoppe @ 1 - 2
• Gingerbread House Making Workshop (Reg Required) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 1 - 2
• Roll-A-Rama Family Skate @ Dreamland Roller Rink (Industry City) @ 1 - 4
• Live Production of "Wizard of Oz" @ HS of Telecommunication Arts @ 2 - 4
• 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
• "Winter Whiskers" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 3 - 5
• Gingerbread House Making Workshop (Reg Required) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 4 - 5
• 6th Annual Kids Gingerbread Party @ The Art Room @ 6 - 8 PM
  
• Live Production of "Wizard of Oz" @ HS of Telecommunication Arts @ 7 - 9

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16:

• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• Breakfast with Santa @ St. Peter Catholic Academy @ 10 AM - 12 PM
  
• FREE - I Love You Through and Through @ BookMark Shoppe @ 1 - 2
• Gingerbread House Making Workshop (Reg Required) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 1 - 2
• Gingerbread House Making Workshop (Reg Required) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 4 - 5

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17:

• 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 - Kids Create: Holiday Crafts @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18:

• 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 Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• BYOBaby Play Date @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​​​​
• FREE - Chess for Kids @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30
• The Nutcracker @ Fort Hamilton High @ 7 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19:

• 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 - Story Craft @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Tots & Toddler Time Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - DIY: Holiday Gnomes @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• The Nutcracker @ Fort Hamilton High @ 7 

Certainly I'm not the only one waiting til the last minute to buy Christmas gifts, right? But in this day and age of free 2-day shipping, we still have PLENTY of time!! In case you're a big ol' procrastinator like me, looking for some traditional or unique gift ideas, this post is for you!! Check out the gift ideas by category below (note I'm not dividing "kids" up into boys and girls cuz, well, I don't roll like that); and don't miss my "Best Toys of 2018" video from NY Toy Fair at the bottom, cuz that's got some great ideas as well!!
​
**This post includes many Affiliate Links - you don't pay more for purchases made through these links but we'll get a small commission to help fund the blog, it's a win win!!

GET CASH BACK!!
Before you get started with online shopping, make sure you're getting some cash back! Personally I love Ebates - if you join with my affiliate link you'll get a bonus $10 back after spending your first $25!! Don't forget to install the app on your browser so it'll alert you when on any site that has a partnership with them, most offer between 1-15% cash back!

GIFTS FOR THE KIDS:​

KiwiCo is a STEAM (science technology engineering arts math) subscription box, bringing the best projects to kids every month! Age groups and categories include: Cricket Crate (0-36 months), Koala Crate (ages 3-4 / play & learn), Kiwi Crate (ages 5-8 / science, art & more), Tinker Crate (ages 9-16+ / science & engineering), Doodle Crate (ages 9-16+ / art & design.)

STEM & Building Toys
​We're talking DUPLO, LEGO, Magnatiles, Lincoln Logs, K'Nex, Play-doh, Mad Mattr - all of this stuff is SO GOOD for developing brains and hands, and fun for kids and adults alike. Make sure it's age appropriate though, you don't want choking hazards for under 3 years old, nor do you don't want to frustrate them with something way too difficult.

Active Toys
​Get them moving - depending on the age we love sit and spin, mini trampoline, trikes, balance bikes, scooters, jump ropes, and hula hoops (we've also included an indoor door frame gym at the bottom of the post in the "for families" section).

Music & Arts
From mini pianos and mini guitars to magnadoodles and drawing sets, you can't go wrong when investing in your child's enjoyment & education in the arts! Don't miss our review and video on Loog mini guitar, which has a free app to make learning easy and fun!

GIFTS FOR THE LADIES:

A hand-knit beanie will make this winter warmer and much more stylish! We are loving Bay Ridge's own LEOKnits over on Etsy, she's got great stuff for women, men, and kids!! Bunny ear hats, unicorn hat/scarf combo, and beanies and pompoms in every color under the sun!

Stitch Fix is a fun gift idea for any lady (or man or child) in your life, and of course, for yourself!! A fashion stylist will curate and send a box of clothes to your door - you pay for what you keep and ship back the rest! No shipping, return, or subscription fees! There is a $20 styling fee, but it goes toward any items you decide to keep.

You can also head over to Amazon's gift finder for women, you can narrow it down by age and interests!

GIFTS FOR THE MEN:

• Birchbox Man - grooming & lifestyle subscription box for men
• Dollar Shave Club - purchase a gift box with a variety of items from blades and cologne to hair care and butt wipes!
• Gentleman's Box - curated men's subscription box with grooming goods, accessories, and more
• when in doubt, check out this gift guide for men over on Amazon, you can narrow it down by category, super easy!

GIFTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:

Japan Candy Box - full of yummy snacks from Japan, you'll it's a SWEET cultural experience!! Buy one box or subscribe for multiple months! Don't miss my unboxing video here! 

While eczema cream and anti-inflammatory clothing aren't first to mind when you think of Christmas presents, products to promote healthier skin are the gifts that keep on giving! We are in love with what YoRo Naturals has come out with, because it's nothing but the good stuff!! Check out their Organic Manuka Honey Skin Soothing Cream (I've been using it on my kids' eczema and my own rosacea), and their new Remedywear anti-inflammatory gloves (for kids and adults) and anti-inflammatory socks (for kids & adults), with Tencel + Zinc.

How about a door frame gym!? Playground for the kids, home gym for the adults. Check the weight limit, but most are around 200-300 pounds and $100-200.

MorfBoard - it's a skateboard, scooter, balance board, and bounce board all in one! You just swap out the parts quickly to transition! Fun for the whole family!! You can get the skate & scoot combo for as low as $80, the balance roller for $40, and the bounce extension for $40. See it in action at the beginning of my "Best Toys of 2018" video below!!

If shopping for friends, family, coworkers, or even yourself leaves you completely overwhelmed, how about a personal style advisor!! Contact Kelly over at Saks Fifth Avenue for live chats and personal shopping! Most items, even ones not available online, can be ordered and shipped to your home.  

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 December 6 - 12, 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!

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
• Kindergarten Application open for 2019-2020 for children born in 2014 (deadline January 14)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6:

• Mommy & Me with Miss Darlene @ Play Days & Parties @ 9:30 - 11:30
  
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• Holiday Mini Photoshoot ($75 for 5 digitals) @ Fairytale Island @ 3 - 7
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​
• Dinner (and pix, songs, & readalongs) with Santa @ South Brooklyn Foundry @ 6:30 - 8:30

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7:

• FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Around the World Through Folk Tales @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Holiday Mini Photoshoot ($75 for 5 digitals) @ Fairytale Island @ 3 - 7
• FREE - Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Game On! Wii & PS4 @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular (pre-reg required) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base @ 4 - 9
• Parents Night Out Dropoff: "Rufus" @ Bounce U @ 5:30 - 8
• 6th Annual Kids Gingerbread Party @ The Art Room @ 6 - 8
• Christmas Story Screening & Tree Lighting @ Brooklyn Firefly @ 6 - 8
• Mamma Mia @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8:

• Pancakes with Santa (Kids $25, Adults $20; pre-reg by 11/30) @ St. Anselm ​@ 9 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• Breakfast with Santa @ Redeemer Saint John @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:30
• FREE -  Winter Wonderland & Santa Pix @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4:30​
• FREE - St. Anselm Christmas Fair ​@ 11 AM - 5 PM (Santa Pix @ 2 - 4)​
• FREE - Holiday Family Movie Time: Home Alone 2 @ McKinley Park Library @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Trolley Rides with Santa @ 5th Ave from 65th - 85th Streets @ 12 - 4
• FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Kiss 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 - Sing n Sway n Schmooze on Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 4 - 5:15
• FREE - 5th Ave BID Tree Lighting @ 7428 5th Ave @ 4:15
• FREE - St. Patrick's Christmas Tree Lighting & Nativity Blessing @ after 5 PM mass​
• Mamma Mia @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9:​

• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​
• Gingerbread Lane ​(DIY Gingerbread Kit $20, Gingerbread Man $10; pre-reg by 11/30) @ St. Anselm @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Winter Wonderland & Santa Pix @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4:30
• FREE - St. Anselm Christmas Fair ​@ 11 - 5 (Santa Pix @ 2 - 4)
• Bowl with the Grinch @ Fort Hamilton Base @ 12 - 3​
• Kids Brunch with Santa @ Brooklyn Firefly @ 12 - 3
• 6th Annual Kids Gingerbread Party @ The Art Room @ 1 - 3
• Paint & Pix with Santa @ Pinot's Palette @ 1 - 3​
• Holiday Rock Painting Party (with appearance by Santa) @ Irish Haven @ 2
• Mamma Mia @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 2
• Childrens Choir of Bay Ridge Winter Concert @ Lutheran Church of the Good Shephard @ 3
• Christmas Concert @ St Patrick Church @ 3 - 4:30
• Chanukah Party @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3 - 5
• The Nutcracker by Bay Ridge Ballet @ Holy Angels @ 4 - 5

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10:

• FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Book Adventures: Poles Apart @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Chess Club @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Tree Lighting @ Owls Head Park @ 7 PM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11:

• 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 - Piano Storytellers Trial Lesson @ 3:45 - 4:25
• FREE - Piano Storytellers Trial Lesson @ 4:45 - 5:25
• FREE - DIY for teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - After School Stories @ Sunset Park Library @ 4:30 - 5:30
• Santa Comes to at UNO @ Uno's @ 5 - 7 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12:

• 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 - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Movies @ the Library: How the Grinch Stole Christmas @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Winter Concert @ Fort Hamilton High @ 7 - 9:30

We were recently sent some new sneakers from a company I suspect many of you may be unaware of, despite the fact that they are one of the best selling children's shoe companies in Japan! Syunsoku, founded in 2003, has sold more than 60 million pairs of shoes, and they are guaranteed to be your child's next favorite pair of sneakers!

The name Syunsoku means "flash feet," which is a nod to the speed and power their sneakers are designed to provide. Developed to support the feet of sports-minded kids, and designed to perfectly suit each age group's changing shape of feet - allowing ample space for toes and appropriate height for toes and heels.

Now, their sizes are not standard US sizes, so you'll have to review their size chart (available on each product page), but it's not too hard to figure out - I got my 3 kids' sizes right on first try, woohoo!! For our 5 year old, we got the RS2 Boys Sports Shoes in "Yellow", though it's more of a lime green and we LOVE THEM!!! So cute and unique! He mentioned they felt snug on the sides when first wearing them, and the product page does say this style is perfect for boys with extra narrow feet (which Kenzo does not have), but at the end of his first full day wearing them he said they felt great, so maybe you have to settle into them and stretch them out a bit. This style retails for $49 but is currently on sale for $24.50 on syunsokuusa.com. It's also available in "black" and blue".

For the girls we got these super cute Cream Girls Sports Shoes in "Black". The girls are obsessed with the shiny little pink bow atop the velcro strap, and frankly, so am I! HA! The sole is very thick (so not super flexible, but flexible enough) but they're very lightweight with "enhanced cushioning." These retail for $64 but are currently on sale for $32 on syunsokuusa.com.

Looking to get some new sneakers for your kids? Go check out Syunsoku! Available on their website (offering free shipping, 100% satisfaction guarantee, and free 30 day returns) and also Amazon (affiliate link).

The New Victory Theater is THE best place to introduce your kids to theater, serving as "New York City's premier nonprofit performing arts theater devoted year-round to kids and their families and classmates". What's this mean? They are amazingly kid-friendly, with incredibly entertaining shows, activities before and after the show, stroller parking, changing tables, free lockers, and more. And oh yeah, tickets are actually affordable!! You can read more about The New Victory Theater in my blog post here, but THIS blog post is more specifically about the show they currently have running, Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams - keep reading for more and enter to win a 4-pack of tickets in the giveaway app at the bottom!! Please note: The show runs through December 30 but the giveaway vouchers will be good only for performances through December 23.

Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams is an exciting acrobatic show put together by two brothers from Ethiopia, who dreamed of joining the circus and are now sharing that dream with the world! Knowing the backstory makes it even more interesting. The brothers, Bibi and Bichu, had this dream of joining the circus without ever having seen a show in person, and headed to England at the age of 12 and 13 with one of the first Nigerian troupes to tour Europe. They went on to perform all over the world, and since 2010 have been funding and providing equipment to several circus schools, including one in Ethiopia. From these schools, they've found the incredible and inspiring acrobats they've cast in Circus Abyssinia.

Geared toward guests ages 5 and up (but my 3 year old twins LOVED it!!), you'll be on the edge of your seat grinning and applauding to jaw-dropping contortionists, jugglers, Chinese pole acrobats, tumblers, an aerialist, a hula hooper, cloth spinners, and a hilarious comedian! Some of the acts are pretty typical, others are incredibly unique (an aerialist on chains instead of silk!? what!?), matching the talent you'd find in any great cirque show. Though the added African flare woven in through music, costumes, and dance really makes it feel a step beyond pure entertainment - it also feels like a bit of a cultural experience. You'll laugh, you'll scream, your spirit will be moved by the beauty and sensuality of some acts, and just try not to clap and dance along in your seat during the hula hoop and Chinese poles performances!! SO FUN!!!

As always at The New Victory Theater, you're also sure to enjoy the pre- and post-show fun and kid-friendly Family Engagement Activities! Our kids had fun balancing feathers on their hands and walking across tight ropes (i.e. jump ropes on the floor) before the show. It's a small theater that feels really intimate - there are really no bad seats. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the ushers will bring your little ones boosters!

Running November 30 - December 30 (with Autism-friendly show December 14 @ 7PM), the performance is 90 minutes with one intermission, and tickets start at just $22, but don't forget, you can enter to win a 4-pack of tickets below (giveaway vouchers will be valid for performances through 12/23).

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Open to US residents ages 18 and over. The winner will be selected randomly and have 24 hours reply/confirm; they will receive a Family 4-pack Voucher to The New Victory Theater. This includes 4 tickets to any performance of CIRCUS ABYSSINIA: ETHIOPIAN DREAMS scheduled through Dec. 23, 2018, based on availability.

Whether coordinating outfits with your significant other or family makes your heart happy or it's just a fun and cheesy whim for a party, this post is for you!! Shinesty recently reached out to us to review their coordinating holiday outfits for families, and I was SO game!

I'd never heard of Shinesty before, but was really wow'd when scrolling through their site. They have TONS of themed wear for singles and couples, from jumpsuits and dresses to swimsuits and bathrobes. Do yourself a favor and check out their IG feed for some good laughs, their "mediocre memes" are a hoot! While most of their outfits claim to be "how babies are made" (omg did they really go there! HA!), they do have a few coordinating family holiday outfits to choose from.

We were sent the non-religious but still festive Millennial Snowflake design - a suit with a tie for hubby, a boys' suit for our 5 year old, toddler dresses for the girls, and a long sleeve wrap dress for myself. For some good laughs, be sure to watch our unboxing video, featuring our very first family fashion show (we ham it up big time) and even a bit of acro in there) - just click below!

The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE their outfits. The girls couldn't stop twirling around, so adorable. Kenzo felt like such a man, donning his first suit! Though, the buttons were super stiff, and he needed some help at first. His pants have elastic on the back making them a perfect fit, and easy to maneuver in the bathroom since he could skip the button and zipper.

Hubby and I were a wee bit embarrassed to wear our outfits out publicly. For me, who usually wears black with a pop of color via statement necklace, this light colored dress (with snowflakes on it no less!!!) was totally out of my comfort zone, but it fit pretty well and was really comfortable. It ended up actually being really fun to get all dressed up matchy matchy with the whole fam. We ended up wearing them to the Cirque Dreams Holidaze Christmas show - even daddy wore his snowflake blazer!! We lost count of how many people stopped us to comment about how adorable we were in our outfits, it was hilarious!! Some even took photos! Long story short, Shinesty clothes are not for wallflowers - you WILL get noticed, and you WILL have a good laugh and lots of fun!

You can shop for fun threads on shinesty.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

When searching for a family-friendly hotel to split up our long drive from NYC to Montreal, I happened across Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark. We are all familiar with Six Flags - we think roller coasters, theme park, fun summertime day trip for the family. But did you know they have an amazing lodge with a HUGE indoor water park just 3.5 hours north of NYC, in the heart of the Adirondacks and Lake George area!! Click below to watch our YouTube video for a tour of the facilities and to see our crazy kiddos having a blast!!

It's quite affordable, too, with room rates from just $199/night, including waterpark access (if not staying overnight, you can also purchase day passes for the waterpark for $44.95 per guest and under age 2 is free, and seasonally of course also tickets for the amusement park). They have lots of kid-friendly activities going on during the day, including a Kids Klub with arts and craft and story times, a huge arcade, and 2 full-service restaurants on site (including Johnny Rockets). Something we didn't do, and I regret (so there WILL BE a next time...) is their Adventure Trek - basically you rent a wand and venture around the hotel on a mission of unlocking games and adventures, and all your points accumulate and will be there when you come back for your next stay! Sounds super fun!!

They had the lodge beautifully decked out for the Holidays, and have an adorable set up for photos with Santa. While it's brutally cold outside, it's summer year round at Great Escape Lodge and the perfect time to schedule your getaway!

The lodge is great, in a beautiful area with lots going on, but the indoor waterpark is what really makes Great Escape Lodge stand out as a great family vacation destination in my opinion. There's a little toddler area with baby swings and slides, a kid's area where you must ben 36-54" to ride the slides, and several body and raft slides for taller kids and adults (most were 36 or 42" and taller), a group raft slide (2-4 people per raft), and even a wave machine where you can boogie board or surf!!! I was too scared to try it but deeply regret that, so yet another reason we'll have to go back soon!! (Be sure to watch our YouTube video to see my hubby giving boogie boarding a go!!)

​The lazy river was probably my favorite, a bit awkward to manage with toddlers but we figured out a way to kind of perch one on each of our tubes, and our 5 year old floated along alone with or without a tube - they have free life vests for the kids to borrow! There were showers and changing rooms down there, but the lockers cost $17, so my recommendation is to leave valuables up in your room and just bring the bare minimums down to the waterpark. Also, they said the room is 82 degrees, but the water was a tad chilly, so just keep that in mind, especially if anyone in your family is very temperature sensitive, you may need take quick breaks to dry off or warm up with a hot shower. Though, we were there during a record breaking cold spell, so I'm not sure if the water/air temperatures were typical or not. Despite the shivers, we had an absolute blast!!

Looking for more family vacation and weekend getaway from NYC ideas?? Check out my massive list here!!