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 28, 2019 - January 3, 2020!

​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 deadline.

Disclaimer: This post includes some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clickin

ONGOING:​​​​​

• Dec 21 - Jan 1: Winter break! Students return to school Jan 2
• Dec 22 - 30: Hanukkah
• Dec 26 - Jan 1: Kwanzaa
• ~ Jan 21: Kindergarten Applications Open for children born in 2015 - due January 21, more info and register here!
• (July 29 until further notice): Play Days and Playdates will be closed except for Thursday Mommy & Me while owner recovers from surgery.
• Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28:

• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 11 - 1​
• FREE - Family Movie @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 3
• ​​*no Rock and Roll Playhouse this week*
• FREE - Kids Create: Writing @ Sunset Park Library @ 12 - 1
• "Penguin's Paradise" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE -Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Chess at 3 Story Time @ 237 36th St @ 1 - 5
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Build with Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with Lego @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• Open Lab (5+) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 4:30 - 7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30:

• FREE - Kids Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31:

• Kids' New Year's Party (reservation only) @ UNO Pizzeria (reservations required) @ 4 & 6 PM
• Family Friendly Dinner, Music & Early New Year (Berlin Time) @ Schnitzel Haus @ 5 - 8 PM
  
• Family New Year's Eve Party @ St. Patrick Catholic Academy (RSVP by 12/15) @ 8 PM - 1 AM (adults $65, kids $20, 4 + under free)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1:

• Happy New Year! (alt side parking suspended)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2:

• Kids go BACK TO SCHOOL!!
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3:

• ​Parents Night Out Drop Off @ Bounce U @ 6 - 8:30

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 21 - 27, 2019!

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: This post includes some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking

ONGOING:​​​​​

• Dec 21 - Jan 1: Winter break! Students return to school Jan 2
• Dec 22 - 30: Hanukkah
• Dec 26 - Jan 1: Kwanzaa
• ~ Jan 21: Kindergarten Applications Open for children born in 2015 - due January 21, more info and register here!
• (July 29 until further notice): Play Days and Playdates will be closed except for Thursday Mommy & Me while owner recovers from surgery.
• Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21:

• Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year)
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• Winter Fun with Yoga Classes for Kids @ Young Love NYC @ 10 - 10:45
• FREE - A Day with Santa & The Grinch @ 4906 5th Ave @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 11 - 1​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas @ 268 36th St (Factory Floor Bldg 1) @ 11 - 1
• FREE - Family Movie: The Grinch & Elf @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 3
• FREE - Kids Create: Writing @ Sunset Park Library @ 12 - 1
• Frozen II Painting Event & Photo with Santa @ Art Fun Studio @ 12 - 2
• "Rosy Red Nose" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 5
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• ​​FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Rock and Roll for Kids Holiday Celebration @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Chess at 3 Story Time @ 237 36th St @ 1 - 5
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Build with Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Holiday Acapella Performance @ 220 36th St @ 1:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with Lego @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• "Huggable Tangled Moose" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 4 - 6
• Open Lab (5+) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 4:30 - 7
• Parents Survival Night Drop Off @ The Little Gym @ 5 - 8
• Making Reindeer Cake Pops @ AJ's Bakehouse @ 6:30 - 8 ($15)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22:

• First Night of Hanukkah
• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema: The Muppet Christmas Carol @ 268 36th St (Factory Floor Bldg 1) @ 11 - 1
• FREE - Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 5
• Breadberry Chanukah Celebration @ 268 36th St @ 1 - 3
• Hanukkah Party @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 2 - 5

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23:

• ​FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Family Movie @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5:30 ​

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24:

• ​Christmas Eve (no local events on our radar)
• Local restaurants open on Christmas Even & Christmas Day

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25:

• Merry Christmas (alternate side parking suspended), no local events on our radar
• Local restaurants open on Christmas Even & Christmas Day

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26:

• FREE - Escape the Nightmare Before Christmas (Session 1) @ Sunset Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Karaoke for Kids @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Escape the Nightmare Before Christmas (Session 2) @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop with Reinaldo Duran Trujillo @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• "Snowman's Best Friend" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 4 - 6
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7​

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27:

• FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:45
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5

Consistently voted one of the best places in NYC to raise a family, I couldn't be happier that I made Bay Ridge my home 9 years ago. But it can be hard, moving to a new neighborhood or staying put but transitioning into parenthood. To save you some and energy, I've put together a list of the best resources in the Greater Bay Ridge Area (that includes Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, and a bit into Sunset Park, Industry City, and Bensonhurst) - basically, the places you could easily get to on foot or a quick 5-10 minute bus ride. Some of these resources are my personal go-tos, others are recommended again and again in local parenting groups, and some are sponsored and worth checking out!

ONLINE SUPPORT

• Bay Ridge Baby Mamas (Facebook group, for local moms with a child up to 2 years old)
• Bay Ridge Toddler Mamas (Facebook group, for local moms with a child walking through 5 years old)
• Bay Ridge Kid Mamas (Facebook group, for local moms with a child in Pre-K through Elementary School)
• Note, the above 3 Bay Ridge Mamas facebook groups also have amazing exclusive buy/sell/trade and babysitters groups!
• Bay Ridge Parents (Facebook group)
• Bay Ridge Families - a hyper local focused blog hosted right here on my site, we do weekly kids' events roundups and annual guides with all the best events for Halloween, Winter Holidays, Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Baby Sitters, Classes & Activities for Babies & Toddlers, and more! Be sure to sign up to our list serve here to be kept in the loop!
• Queen of the Click - a great website with local news & resources
• Check out my personal blog reviews and youtube demos of a TON of single, double, and wagon strollers here!!

OBGYN & CHILDBIRTH:

• Birthing Center of New York (6702 3rd Ave)
• ​Guirguis OBGYN - With offices in Bay Ridge, Park Slope, and Staten Island, The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group have provided comprehensive health care catered to women of all ages for over 30 years. Their compassionate physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives offer premier gynecologic services for women throughout all stages of life, as well as personalized obstetric care throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.
• NYC Doula Collective - Founded in 2008, The NYC Doula Collective is a community of birth workers serving New York City and the surrounding areas. Through ongoing professional development, regular meetings for members, active mentorship and a commitment to giving back to the community, they strive to offer NYC families professional birth doula services within a wide range of experience and fee levels.

LACTATION HELP:

• Free Lactation Class once a month for GPM Pediatrics patients
• La Leche League of Bay Ridge - Dyker Heights
• Nicole Fusco-Evans - RN, CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)
• Rebecca Powell - PhD, CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)

CHILDREN'S HEALTH & WELLNESS:

• DeVito & Alvarado Pediatrics (8008 3rd Ave)
• GPM Pediatrics (7715 4th Ave) - By offering parents a choice of seven board certified physicians that speak a variety of languages (including Greek, Italian, and Spanish), with styles varying from integrated to conservative traditional practices, families at GPM Pediatrics have the opportunity to select the provider that best reflects their parenting philosophy and medical approach. They are recognized as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) through the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA), offer Saturday hours, in-house bloodwork, and hold monthly free classes led by a lactation counselor and nutritionist. Offices in Bay Ridge & Staten Island.​​

• ​Miss Megan - Miss Megan is the owner and founder of Mindful Montessori™, Mantra Sleep Solutions™, and The Miss Megan Effect™. She is an innovator and an expert in her field. Her unique and creative methods of focusing on Conscious Parenting and Non-Cry-It-Out Sleep Solutions have served families within the greater New York City area and worldwide for years. In fact, Miss Megan has been a career Governess/Nanny/BabyNurse, a Transformational Pediatric Sleep Master, and a Child Behavioral Specialist for over fifteen years and has extensive experience working with children in a wide range of settings. Miss Megan is also a Montessori trained Directress, a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a children’s book author-in-the-making.Miss Megan’s greatest source of knowledge and expertise comes from being a working mother. Miss Megan is a proud single mother (by choice) of two, and has a Montessori homeschool and a home-based Pediatric Transformational Sleep Center located in Jersey City, NJ.​

• Pediatric Physical Therapy Services: Katie Messineo (PT, DPT, PCS) - Board Certified Pediatric Specialist providing home-based evaluation and treatment of infants and toddlers with Torticollis (head turn preference and tight neck muscles) as well as developmental delay.  Available for consults to provide recommendations for tummy time and age appropriate play. Contact by email (katie.messineo@gmail.com) or phone: (914) 799-3846. 
• PM Pediatrics (1823 86th St) - urgent care for kids
• Tribeca Pediatrics (6927 3rd Ave)

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES for BABIES:

• Music Together (275 90th St / 7603 3rd Ave / 1072 80th St) - Music together provides weekly "Mommy and Me" family music and movement classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them! Free trial lessons are offered before each semester. Great recorded music and song books are provided to families so they can continue the classroom experience all week long at home, and unlimited free bonus classes are offered, too!​

• Zumbini with Fallon - Taught by local mama, Fallon. Happy hour for you and your baby! Created by Zumba® and BabyFirst for kids ages 0-4, the Zumbini® program combines music, dance and educational tools for 45 minutes of can’t-stop, won’t-stop bonding, learning, and fun! Register for FREE upcoming trial classes at Industry City's buybuyBABY (January 16 - February 27) here!
• Extensive list of classes & activities for babies & toddlers updated regularly here!

BABY CLOTHES, GEAR, & PHOTOGRAPHY:

• Brooklyn Baby World (7302 15th Ave)
• buybuyBABY (850 3rd Ave)
• Century 21 (472 86th St)
• The Children's Place (417-419 86th St)
• Evenflo has some of the best bang for your buck innovative baby products out there, from play yards and baby carriers to breast pumps and baby bottles! We fell in love with their Pivot Xpand stroller that converts from single to double in a matter of seconds (see my full review with demo video here). They also have an amazing new wagon, the Pivot Xplore, which everyone is going crazy for!!
• GAP Outlet (423 86th St)​

• ​OGONEWYORK (8224 3rd Ave) - OGONEWYORK is a women's wear boutique inspired by European culture. It provides a unique selection of ready to wear apparel sourced from around the world at affordable prices, including its own made in New York house label, OGO. Mother of three , designer & founder Ogo Ekweozor-holley launched a selection of "Mommy & Me" styles ready for the holiday season. "We are excited to introduce a curated selection of matching outfits perfect to get you and the family into the holiday spirit" says Ogo.
• Raine & Riley's (9002 3rd Ave)​
• The Ridge Kids (8122 3rd Ave) - Owned and run by a local mom, The Ridge Kids carries high-quality, stylish, and affordable children's clothing for every kind of Bay Ridge family. They also have a carefully curated selection of toys, books, and arts & crafts.​

• Picture a Day by Maia
• T.J. Maxx (502 86th St)
• Young Love NYC (479 83rd St) - Owned and run by a local mom, Young Love NYC Photo & Video Studio is a boutique offering photography and videography services tailored to your family's needs. Weddings, at-home newborn sessions, baptisms, milestone birthdays, cake smashes and family celebrations of all kinds are their specialty and Julia looks forward to hearing from you to capture your precious memories!

OTHER RESOURCES:

• Brooklyn Hemp Healer - Kannaway’s hemp and cannibis-based products are all natural, devoid of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, and rigorously tested, ensuring that the products you are choosing are of the highest caliber and effectiveness. From CBD and skin care to essential oils and nutritional supplements, you'll find an assortment of high quality products available for purchase through local mother, Karen.​

• Councilman Justin Brannan - Representing the 43rd Council District, which includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, Councilman Justin Brannan has a great involvement in Bay Ridge Parents' Facebook Group, responds to any and all issues promptly, and organizes wonderful events for families and the community at large.​

• Rahmé​ Team at Compass - The Rahmé Team’s practice spans the gamut of NYC real estate: new developments, townhomes, condos, co-ops, multi-family buildings, and commercial leases. Above all, relationships are paramount to the Rahmé Team, who take a client-centric approach and work seamlessly between the many parties and personalities that may be involved to secure the best deal, regardless of the property or market conditions. Being multilingual in English, German, Lebanese, French, Mandarin and Cantonese further distinguishes them, and enables them to represent a diverse clientele.

• The Vianetic - A smart compartmentalized diaper back pack, The Vianetic is built to last through the diaper days and beyond - featuring an external USB port, laptop compartment, and luggage strap, it's also great as a work and travel bag!

• Jonathan Taylor, Northwestern Mutual - As a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, I help individuals achieve a more secure future by working to understand their situation and identifying their financial needs.  By building a relationship that will grow over time, and working with my team of financial experts, we focus on solutions that help make your goals a reality.  Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, we can engage in discussion on a broad range of topics either in person or remotely.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and provided by Jonathan Taylor of Northwestern Mutual NYC Midtown, as part of an advertising partnership with Bay Ridge Families' Ba(b)y Ridge MamaCon.

​We live in financially uncertain times.  Maybe you are young and have a growing family, are a soon-to-be-retiree, or are an aspiring business owner, and your financial future concerns you.  Bonds, stocks, ETFs, whole-life insurance, term-life insurance, mutual funds, IRAs - the list of confusing financial terms that need to be navigated is daunting.  With different advice coming from all over, how does one correctly navigate it all in such confusing and unstable times?

This is when you can use some well-thought-out planning and direction that will help assure and solidify your financial future.  “I understand the community’s specific financial needs,” says Jonathan Taylor of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company.  “My associates and I live that life and we can help our clients plan for those periods in their lives when they will need money, and use it both thoughtfully and wisely,” Jonathan says.

Jonathan Taylor is a Financial Advisor who says that he decided to join the team at Northwestern Mutual after studying their history and very successful track record in preparing their clientele for the challenges of the future. 

For his part, Jonathan Taylor is a bright and articulate young man.  Young Mr. Taylor is highly thought of in the community and is very much in demand to be consulted with by many young growing families, soon-to-be retirees, and business owners who are concerned about planning and securing their economic future.

“I often explain to people the power of small increments that are set aside consistently over time,” Jonathan Taylor says.  “It is the power of compound interest and consistency that drive a financial plan and can help secure substantial savings and wealth.”  He stresses the fact that even if one has a financial plan in place, circumstances change – a new child, new job, major expense, etc. – and the plan must adapt to the new circumstances.  Therefore, he strongly suggests reviewing it on an annual or semi-annual basis. 

One of the issues that Jonathan is focused on, of course, is the matter of his clients owning ample life insurance.  “The loss of a member of our community is always a tragedy,” he says.  “But life insurance can greatly alleviate the financial burden created by such a tragedy.  While one would hope that it would never be necessary, life insurance is something everyone should have.”

Jonathan feels that this simple matter needs more emphasis in communities and schools; unfortunately, each time a tragedy occurs a promise is made to pursue this avenue and then it is just as quickly forgotten.

In response to this need, Jonathan has developed different programs where individuals, families, businesses, and other institutions have created life and disability insurance programs for their members.  Inexpensive plans are set up for the various members of the groups and can assist them in starting their financial planning journey.

Through a network of specialists, another prime focus of Jonathan’s practice is holistic financial planning.  While understanding the anxiety that can accompany long term planning, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term strategy.  He also stresses the fact that “money under the mattress” isn’t necessarily a viable solution.  “Inflation and rising costs diminish the purchasing power of money,” he notes.  “A sound investment plan can combat this problem.”

Jonathan concludes: “I’m excited to educate and assist our community in this important need.  A financial plan can easily be implemented if given the proper thought and time.” 
​
Jonathan can be contacted through his website, by e-mail at Jon.E.Taylor@nm.com, or by his cell number at 347-723-7428.  Consultations are free and can be arranged at the client’s location and time of convenience.

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 14 - 20, 2019!

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: This post includes some affiliate links - you don't pay more but we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

ONGOING:​​​

• ​~ Dec 18: Collection Box for NEW books & pajamas @ Bay Ridge Library
• ~ Dec 18: Collection of NEW books & pajamas through Bay Ridge Cares (many locations)
• ~ Jan 21: Kindergarten Applications Open for children born in 2015 - due January 21, more info and register here!
• (July 29 until further notice): Play Days and Playdates will be closed except for Thursday Mommy & Me while owner recovers from surgery.
• Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14:

• Brunch with Santa  @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 9 & 10 AM ($24.95 adults, $21.95 kids, under 2 free)
• Pancakes with Santa @ St. Anselm @ 9:30 - 12:30 PM ($20)
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• FREE - Holiday Flea Market to Benefit Relay for Life @ PS264 @ 10 - 4
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Kids Cinema Club: The Muppets Christmas Carol @ 268 36th St @ 11 - 1
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 11 - 1​
• FREE - Winter Bazaar @ PS 503 @ 11 AM - 3 PM
• FREE - Family Movie: Home Alone 1 & 2 @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 3
• FREE - Winter Wonderland (FREE Santa Photo) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4 PM
• FREE - Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair (Santa Photos @ 2  - 4 PM) @ St. Anselm @ 11 AM - 5 PM
• FREE - Kids Create: Writing @ Sunset Park Library @ 12 - 1
• "Cozy Penguin" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1:30 (Santa comes for pix at 1pm)
• FREE - Santa in Lobby of One 74th St @ 12 - 3 PM
• FREE - Ugly Christmas Sweater for Pets Contest @ PETCO @ 12 - 3
• FREE - Holiday Spectacular & Tree Lighting (Trolley on 5th Ave from 67th - 85th Streets) @ 12 - 4 PM
• FREE - Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 5
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• ​​FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of White Stripes for Kids @ 274 36 St (Bldg 2 at The Landing) @ 1 - 2
• Photo of your Pet with Santa ($9.95) @ PETCO @ 1 - 4
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 237 36th St @ 1 - 5
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Build with Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• Holiday Acapella Performance @ 1:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Arabic Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with Lego @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• Open Lab (5+) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 4:30 - 7
• Bay Ridge Ballet's The Nutcracker @ Holy Angels @ 4 - 5
• A Glorious Night of Christmas Music @ St. Patricks @ 7:30 - 10 ($25)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• Winter Fun with Yoga Classes for Kids @ Young Love NYC @ 10 - 10:45
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema Club: Elf @ 268 36th St @ 11 - 1
• Breakfast with Santa @ Fort Hamilton Army Base @ 11 AM - 3 PM ($40 adults, $20 children)
• FREE - Winter Wonderland Christmas Fair (Santa Photos @ 2  - 4 PM) @ St. Anselm @ 11 AM - 5 PM
• Family Yoga Class @ Bay Ridge Yoga @ 11:30
• Hanukkah Singalong @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 12 - 1
• 7th Annual Gingerbread Party @ The Art Room @ 12 - 2 PM ($55)
• FREE - Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 5
• Photo of your Pet with Santa ($9.95) @ PETCO @ 1 - 4
• Santa & His Horse & Carriage @ 7902 5th Ave @ 1 PM​

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16:

• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Book Adventures @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17:

• FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
• Lavender Blues Remix @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10:30 - 11:30
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 12 - 2
• FREE - DIY (YA) @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop with Juan Tica @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - DIY for Teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 11:15 - 12
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Holiday Acapella Performance @ 12 - 3
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Teen Lounge @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:45
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Anime Club @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Joffrey Dance Academy Presents The Nutcracker @ Fort Hamilton High School @ 5 PM ($10)
  

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19:

• Toddler Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
• FREE - Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 3:45
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop with Reinaldo Duran Trujillo @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• Joffrey Dance Academy Presents The Nutcracker @ Fort Hamilton High School @ 7 PM ($10)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20:

• Last day of school before winter break, classes resume January 2
• FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
• FREE - 普通話故事時間 Mandarin Chinese Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Bay Ridge Playdate @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 12
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Tot Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 5:30 - 6:30
• Parents Night Out Drop Off @ Bounce U @ 6 - 8:30
• Joffrey Dance Academy Presents The Nutcracker @ Fort Hamilton High School @ 7 PM ($10)

**originally posted 12/6/2016 when we had 7 strollers for our 3 kids ages 3 and under (updated 3 years and 6 additional strollers later LOL!!! Some affiliate links included below)

Hi, my name is Heather and I'm addicted to strollers. We have 3 children ages 4-6 (including twins), are living in a tiny 950 square foot apartment in Brooklyn, and yet we have managed to own a total of THIRTEEN strollers (maxed out at 5 at one time). Yes, you read that correctly. Here are the strollers we've had, some for as little as a week, others for 2+ years!! Be sure to click the ** links for my full blog reviews, my demo videos are embedded at the end of this post:

1 triple:

• ** Joovy Big Caboose (blog review)

​4 Doubles:

• ** StrollAir MyDuo (video demo/review)
• Joovy Scooter X2 (Amazon affiliate link)
• Maclaren Twin Techno (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** Joovy Twingroove UltraLight (blog review & video demo)

​3 Single to Double Convertibles:

• Britax B-Ready (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** StrollAir Solo to Tango (blog review & video demo)
• ** Evenflo Pivot Xpand (blog review & video demo)

4 singles:

• Britax B-Agile (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** GB Pockit (blog review & video demo)
• UppaBaby G-Luxe (Amazon affiliate link)
• ** Mockingbird (blog review & video demo)

1 wagon:

• ** Wonderfold W1 Stroller Wagon (blog review & video demo)

​I just might have a problem... Here are some signs you might have a problem, too!

1. You have more than one stroller.
​Heck, you probably have more than a few strollers. Possibly a good half dozen or so! And the funny thing? You can justify your desperate need for each and every one of them!!! 

2. You're always lusting after the latest and greatest.
The one, or 4, you already have are still in perfectly good condition. But you're bored. You want a new baby, a new stroller baby, that is! Your heart actually skips a beat when your favorite stroller brand comes out with a new model or special edition.

3. You pimp out your (baby's) ride.
Custom seat liners, matching canopies, luxory diaper bag, stroller muffs, air-filled tires, you name it. Your little one rides in style!!

4. You have strollers in every nook and cranny.
Every car has one in the trunk, and your garage and closets are at capacity with strollers. Maybe you even begged your significant other to build some shelving space for them. Heck, you may have developed a product for smartly storing strollers indoors like the 2 moms behind MetroTot stroller hanger & CityStork stroller wheel covers!

5. You know how to score a deal.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, local and online stroller resale groups (StrollerQueen StrollerSwap!!!), trade in events, blog giveaways, you name it. You know how to sell your old strollers to help finance a new one, and you know the best ways to save big!

6. You get stroller envy.
Walking through the park or the grocery store, you're constantly on the lookout. Who is pushing what stroller, what accessories are they sporting (here are my faves!!), is there one you haven't seen before? No shame - go and ask the mom about it!!! Maybe ask to take it for a quick test drive!

7. You're the go-to girl for your friends and family.
When someone is having a baby or needing a new stroller, you are the one they look to for advice. Because you know, well, pretty much EVERYTHING about strollers!!! You may even publish guides such as "7 Best Double Strollers for Families", "The Best New Strollers for Every Budget", or "Stroller Shopping Tips"!

Did I miss any signs of stroller addiction? Are you an addict??? Share your story in a comment below! Tell us the stroller you love most and why. Maybe it'll be the next stroller added to my collection!

​And just for fun, I'll embed my stroller review & demo videos below!!

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nakturnal.

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 7 - 13, 2019!

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

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

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

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

ONGOING:​​​

• Dec 8 - 12: Free Trial Group Piano Lesson (grades K & 1) @ Piano Storytellers
• ​~Dec 14: Toys for Tots collection at buy buy BABY 
• ~Dec 18: Collection Box for NEW books & pajamas @ Bay Ridge Library
• ~Dec 18: Collection of NEW books & pajamas through Bay Ridge Cares (many locations)
• (July 29 until further notice): Play Days and Playdates will be closed except for Thursday Mommy & Me while owner recovers from surgery.
• Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7:

• ​Nutcracker Bake Sale @ Bay Ridge Ballet @ 9 AM - 3 PM
• Christmas Boutique (with Santa Workshop) @ St. Mary's @ 9 AM - 4:30 PM 
• Brunch with Santa  @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 9 & 10 AM ($24.95 adults, $21.95 kids, under 2 free)
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 10:30
• One Girl Cookies Kids Gingerbread House Decorating @ 220 36th St @ 10 - 1 ($90)
• FREE - Saturday Storytime! @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 11 - 1​
• FREE - Family Movie: The Santa Clause 1 & 2 @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 3
• FREE - Winter Wonderland (FREE Santa Photo) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4 PM
• Elf on the Shelf Pictures & Face Painting & Lunch @ Lombardo's @ 12-1:15 & 1:30-3 PM
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• ​​FREE - Family DJ Dance Party - Music of Grateful Dead for Kids @ 274 36 St (Building 2 at The Landing) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 237 36th St @ 1 - 5
• FREE - Little Scientists @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Build with Duplo @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• Coat & Toy Drive (with Live Music & Kids Activities) @ Salty Dog @ 2 - 6 PM (visit from Santa @ 3:30) ($10 suggested entry)
• FREE - Arabic Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime: Cantonese Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Build with Lego @ Sunset Park Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Sing 'n Schmooze on Shabbat! @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 4 - 5:30
• Open Lab (5+) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 4:30 - 7

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8:

• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Immaculate Conception)
• Brunch with Santa  @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 9 & 10 AM ($24.95 adults, $21.95 kids, under 2 free)
• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​
• Breakfast with Santa @ St. Pats @ 10:30 AM ($15 per person)
• FREE - Winter Wonderland (FREE Santa Photo) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 4 PM
• Family Yoga Class @ Bay Ridge Yoga @ 11:30
• Breakfast with Santa @ St. Ephrem Catholic Academy (RSVP by 11/27) @ 11:30 - 2 PM ($25 adults / $20 kids)
• Christmas Boutique (with Santa Workshop) @ St. Mary's @ 12:30 - 3:30 PM 
• Christmas Concert @ Union Church of Bay Ridge @ 2 PM
• Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge Winter Concert @ Good Shephard Church @ 3 PM ($10 per family)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9:

• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Cantonese Storytime @ McKinley Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Kids Create @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10:

• FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 & 11
• FREE - Babies and Books @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Open Lab: Tiny Scientists (ages 2-5) @ Urban STEAM Lab @ 12 - 2
• FREE - La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños @ Sunset Park Library @ 1:30 - 2:30
• BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop with Juan Tica @ Bay RIdge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - DIY for Teens @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Kids' Holiday Party (kids eat free, crafts & goodie bag, visit from Santa) @ UNO's Pizzeria @ 5 - 7 PM
• A Very Merry Singalong @ Vesuvio @ 6 - 8 PM 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11:

• ​​Lavender Blues ($20) @ 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 - Teen Lounge @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:45
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Build the Block Community Policing Meeting @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 6:30 - 7:45
• Winter Art Show & Concert @ Fort Hamilton High School @ 7 PM ($10)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12:

• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Book Adventures: Story & Craft @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Library Lab: Let it Snow! @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ McKinley Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop with Reinaldo Duran Trujillo @ Sunset Park Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• Winter Art Show & Concert @ Fort Hamilton High School @ 7 PM ($10)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13:

• FREE - Discovery Table @ McKinley Park Library @ 10 - 11
• FREE - 普通話故事時間 Mandarin Chinese Storytime @ Sunset Park Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - StoryPlay @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:45
• FREE - First Five Years Kids Create @ McKinley Park Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11 - 12
• Buddy the Elf Visit @ 268 36th St @ 12 - 2
• FREE - The Dyker Singers Christmas Concert @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Sunset Park Library @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Game On! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored and provided by Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company.

We always want to broaden our children’s horizons and expose them to all of the great culture that New York City has to offer.  Here are ten reasons why your family will love the Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company’s presentation of The Nutcracker (ticket information at bottom of post).

1.    The ballet opens with a lavish Christmas party full of boys and girls (played by your Bay Ridge neighbors), complete with toys and gifts, mischief and sibling rivalry.  And a mysterious magical guest.

2.    Your children will recognize many of the melodies.  Music from the beautiful Tchaikovsky score has permeated pop culture.

3.    You can introduce your children to the ballet without paying Lincoln Center prices or stressing that they won’t be able to sit still for a full length performance.  The Nutcracker ballet is fun, fast paced and exciting. 

4.    There’s an epic battle scene, in which mice, soldiers, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker fight it out to save the ballet’s heroine, Clara.

5.    The Dance of the Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers are among the most beautiful dances in all of ballet.  The Dance of the Snowflakes is breathtaking, performed as snow swirls down on the dancers who make up the corps de ballet - all Bay Ridge students.  Waltz of the Flowers is enchanting, full of dazzling pink costumes which capture the beauty of spring time.  Your children will be mesmerized.

6.    The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by international ballet star Maria Kowroski, principal dancer from New York City Ballet.  Your children will have the rare opportunity of seeing her perform in this intimate setting.

7.    An afternoon or evening spent at the theater is the perfect way to take a break from all of the holiday preparations and festivities.  You can just sit back and let the magic of the ballet sweep over you.  The Historic St. George Theater is an ornate jewel, just intimate enough to give the audience a special experience with the performance.  It’s located just a short drive from Bay Ridge.

8.    Here’s what Alastair Macaulay, legendary dance critic of The New York Times, has said about our Nutcracker:

•     “Impressive young ballerina technicians”
•     “These children were already good professionals.”
•     “The levels of technique and theatrical production are remarkably high.”
•     “This will remain one of my favorite “Nutcracker” memories.”​

9.    Ballet is not just for girls. Male pro athletes train in ballet to become more agile and to get more height and hang time to their jumps.  Our boys are great dancers too!  Your boys are going to want to watch them work.

10.    It’s not unusual to see children leap to their feet during intermission, swept up by the magic, acting out the dances that they just saw.  Who knows?  Before the night is through, you just may find that your young son or daughter sees themselves as a budding ballet dancer too.  You’ll leave the St. George Theatre singing the melodies, and they’ll stay with you throughout the Christmas season.

Did you see The Nutcracker when you were a kid?  What were your favorite memories?

The Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company presents The Nutcracker at the Historic St. George Theater on December 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tickets are going fast!

• Location: The Historic St. George Theatre - 35 Hyatt Street - Staten Island - 2 blocks from the Ferry
• Tickets from $19 (VIP Tickets $50 and $35) 

​​Tickets available at:

• The Vicky Simegiatos Performing Arts Center (7110 Third Avenue - 2nd Floor Office - Mondays through Saturdays - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; TEL: 718.690.0944)
• Historic St. George Theatre Box Office - 718.442.2900
• Ticketmaster​ (via VSPAC website)

For further information, visit our website (includes a Groupon Deal), call 917.860.4025 or 718.612.9475, email vsdc@ipvstudio.com, or download our PDF flyer: