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 February 29 - March 6, 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 clicking.

ONGOING:​​​​​

• ​~ March 4: Apply to be a CEC 20 (Community Education Council District 20) Member
• ​~ March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
• April 14-15-16: Evamarie Violin Workshops, ages 3-4 and 5-6
• ~ April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
• ​Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29:

• Bay Ridge Cares' Pancake Breakfast @ St. Mary's @ 10 - 12:30
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 12:30 - 4
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Broadway Rock for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Team Up To Read: Story Mapping @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• Changing Seasons Yoga: Mindfulness & Stress Management for Teens @ Omn Vibe Yoga @ 2 - 4
• FREE - Cantonese / English Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 4

SUNDAY, MARCH 1:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema Club: Frozen 2 @ 268 36th St @ 10:30 - 1:30
• Lunar New Year Celebration @ 1601 80th St @ 11 - 2:30

MONDAY, MARCH 2:

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 3:

• FREE - Toy Time! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5​
• FREE - Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4:

• ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
• 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 - 4:30
• FREE - Build With LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4

THURSDAY, MARCH 5:

• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, MARCH 6:

• FREE - Read Across Brooklyn: The Doorbell Rang @ Dyker Library @ 10:30 - 11:30
• FREE - Read Across Brooklyn Storytime! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:30
• FREE - Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• Legally Blonde @ Xaverian @ 7

Moms, I think we can all agree that we love our kids more than life itself. We'd be lost without them. They're everything! But... sometimes... we need a break. Am I right?! A break from the monotony, from the pressure to be doing everything for everyone, from the whining and fighting. Basically, from being a mom. Needing a break doesn't make you a bad mom. I would argue in fact that taking a break actually can make you a better mom!

This break can come in the form of an hour at the gym, a mani pedi at the salon, or a kid-free lunch with some friends. Maybe you already do this regularly, maybe not, but if you're ready to take it to the next level, taking a full day and night away (or a full weekend, or gasp, a whole week!?), you might just find yourself fully recharged and ready to embrace those kids and your many duties at 100% again. Not just that, but getting away and out of your typical setting can give you a real chance to reconnect with yourself, to remember who you are beyond "mom", "wife", "domestic engineer". Remember when you actually had interests and hobbies, before they were taken over by your duties of meal planner, butt wiper, laundry doer, and booboo kisser. It's time to find and nurture those interests again! Let this blog post serve as your inspiration and motivation, a little nudge to treat yourself and plan your own mom getaway!!

I became a mother just over 7 years ago. It took me 5 years to take my first night away. I know... crazy! Our twins had just turned 2 years old, my husband was alwaysssss working, and I was so overwhelmed and stressed out. I had a mini breakdown (mommy tantrum??), got some amazing advice from my twin mom squad on Facebook (love them!!) and decided to heed that advice by booking a night away!! I went solo, to Atlantic City (weird destination, I know, but Tropicana hosted me and it was amazing - read about that trip and watch the video here).

Fast forward 2 more years and I was more than ready to do this again. Except this time, I didn't want to go alone. I wanted a relaxing but FUN momcation!!! So I reached out to the oh-so-amazing Crystal Springs Resort, because we had visited as a family over the summer and luuuuuurved it (see that blog review & video here), but I was itching to go back without kids! They offered to comp my stay again, in exchange for me covering my wonderful momcation! I invited one of my best mom friends, Rhianon of Brooklyn Boy Mom (together we have SEVEN CHILDREN!!! Me 3 and Rhi 4). See how much fun we had in this video and keep reading for more details!!

Why Crystal Springs for your Momcation?

LOCATION: Just a 90 minute drive from NYC, you'll find yourself in the beautiful northwestern New Jersey foothills at Crystal Springs Resort! It's not a bad drive either - I hadn't driven in over 6 years and was terrified but totally did it - easy peasy!! The hotel and grounds are simply beautiful (no wonder they host countless weddings, reunions, and conventions year round!).

ACTIVITIES:

• Indoor pools (the Biosphere is my favorite with its fabulously tropical Instagrammable vibes and water slide)
• Outdoor pools (heated in winter and you can swim out to them from inside)​

• 2 award-winning spas (one is ranked #1 in New Jersey and in the top 30 in the country!)
• Golf - not my thing but you do you!
• Free shuttle to nearby ski / snow tubing slopes at Mountain Creek - this free shuttle also connects Crystal Springs' two main areas of Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, both with great pools, dining, spa, etc! Make sure you visit both!!
• Daily activities (some free, some for a fee) like sip & paint, mixology class, cupcake making, goat or puppy yoga (YES! puppy yoga featuring rescued chihauhau puppies up for adoption see this video for all the cuteness!), cupcake making, wine tasting with their sommelier, marshmallow roasting, evening entertainment and a ton of summer outdoor activities on site or nearby like kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining, etc.

• Wine Cellar and free tour (daily @ 3pm) - with a $10million collection (45,000 bottles of wine) set in a beautiful stone cellar, it's a must see - one of the top wine collections in the world!!

ACCOMODATIONS:
​Both times I've stayed at Crystal Springs Grand Cascades Lodge, we've been provided with a Suite, which I highly recommend. Having a full kitchen and living room is so nice and makes lounging around and being lazy at your home away from home a terrific option! Go out to one of their many restaurants when you want, or order pizza or make your own meals when feeling lazy. We stopped at a grocery store on the way up so that we'd have stuff for breakfast and snacks and what not. Our Suite had 1 king bed room, 1 huge bathroom (with L'Occitane toiletries - niiiiiice!!!), a pull out sofa in the living room, a fire place, a balcony, washer and dryer, and a full kitchen (well, minus a microwave - oops, we had to take our popcorn home!!)

DINING:
They have many options to choose from, whether looking for quick and casual or fine dining for a special occasion. Between the visit with my family and this more recent momcation trip, I've eaten at every one of their restaurants except for their seasonal farm-to-table al fresco Chef's Garden (I'll be back next summer for that one, to be sure!!) and they're all outstanding! You can't go wrong!

Since we couldn't go to their 4-star Restaurant Latour last time (no kids under age 12 allowed), I wanted to make sure to check it out this time (reservations recommended, so plan ahead). Boy oh boy am I glad we did!! Their head Sommelier led the wine tour we took at 3pm, so we were even more excited to head over that evening and request the wine pairing menu ($55) with our 4-course meal ($115) . They also have 7-course, but despite each course being fairly small, we were stuffed by the end of our 2 hour dining experience!!

​I'd never done a wine pairing before, and basically know nothing about wine. I actually hadn't a clue that wine choice can either make or break a food. Making the wrong pairing is comparable to drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth - yuck! The sommelier will choose the perfect wine for each of your courses (guests choose courses independently, the table doesn't have to agree), coming over to the table personally to explain about the wine and pour it for you. It was such an incredibly luxurious treat for me, who is more of a 2 slices of pizza and a hard seltzer once a month kinda gal. Because I'm not used to this kind of gourmet dining, I have to be honest that the menu was a wee bit intimidating, but our waitress was the sweetest thing and helped make us feel at ease while handling all of our many questions! 

I'm sure the menu options change frequently, but for an idea of what to expect, here's what I ordered and the wines they paired for me (everything tasted as amazing as it looked!!!!):

Course 1: Roasted Crones (gnoccheti, fermented garlic, sunchoke) with Grgich Hills (Fume Blanc, Napa Valley California 2016).

Course 2: Venison (creamed turnip, preserved wild berries, juniper) with Cascina Fontan (Barbera d'Abla, Pieomonte Italy 2017). This was my first time having venison, and you never know what you're going to get with "gamey" meat, but it was absolutely delicious! To my unsophisticated palette it was like an extremely soft and delicious piece of steak.

Course 3: Rohan Duck (chestnut, persimmon, black seed vinaigrette) with Stokes' Ghost (Petite Sirah, Monterey County California, 2015). Talk about a piece of art, how about this plate!?

Course 4: Chocolate Ganache (coffee, buckwheat crumble, hazlenut), with l'Abricot wine and a platter of Turkish Delight! Yum. Just, omg, yum.

Oh, and we can't forget the most amazing and visually pleasing bread basket everrrrrr!!!! Hello activated charcoal bread, like, what!? So neat (and soft and yummy!!), with spreads like beet and garlic - ohmahgerrrrrd y'all!!!!!

We ended up doing 3 days and 2 nights at Crystal Springs on this most amazing Momcation. We stayed up "late" (still asleep before midnight), slept soundly without being pulled out of bed in the middle of the night to escort a little one to the bathroom, binged Netflix in bed, ate amazing food without hearing our kids whine about how disgusting it is, lounged poolside, sweat it out in the sauna and jacuzzi, cuddled with rescue puppies while kinda doing yoga but really just wanting to play with puppies, and even did our first TikTok ha!!!

Arrived home to a shockingly neat and tidy and quiet household - so impressed that my husband got laundry done and got the kids to clean up before I came home!! The kids were so cuddly and sweet, didn't throw a single tantrum for a whole hour after I arrived hahahaha!!! Seriously though, I feel so friggin' refreshed and ready to be the best mom I can be!!!! But I also can't wait to go on my next momcation...

So, are you inspired to book your own Momcation yet!?!? You really can't beat Crystal Springs for the destination - no matter what you're looking for, you'll find it there! They have really fun packages too such as "Robes & Rose Girlfriends Getaway", "Mom's Midweek Spa Day" and more! So get on it - gather some friends and get you on a mom getaway!! Be sure to check back in to let me know how it went (better yet, shoot me an email and maybe I can join)!!!

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 February 22 - 28, 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 clicking.

ONGOING:​​​​​

• Feb 14-15-16: Evamarie Violin Workshops, ages 3-4 and 5-6
• ​~ March 4: Apply to be a CEC 20 (Community Education Council District 20) Member
• ​~ March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
• ~ April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
• ​Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22:

• FREE - Ice Fishing Game run by Olaf the Snowman (part of Embrace Winter Festival) @ Scandinavian East Coast Museum @ 10:45 - 11:45
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:30
• FREE - Crafts @ Owl's Head Park (part of Embrace Winter Festival) @ 12 - 4
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 12:30 - 4
• FREE - Rock & Roll Playhouse: Mardi Gras Celebration @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Team Up To Read: Mind Movies @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Regina Opera Concert @ Vesuvio @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema Club: Missing Link @ 268 36th St @ 10:30 - 1:30

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24:

• Midwinter Recess Over! Back to School!!
• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Wand Making With Rana! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26:

• Alt Side Parking Suspended (Ash Wednesday)
• ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
• 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 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27:

• Zumbini @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Game On! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Parents Night Out Dropoff @ Bounce U @ 6 - 8:30

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Mabel's Labels and includes some affiliate links (we receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking), but all thoughts and opinions are my own and unbiased.

We're not new fans of Mabel's Labels over here - we've been using and loving their waterproof washable labels on our kids' water bottles for a while now and they're awesome!! Which is why I'm so excited to collaborate with them on a review of some of their other products - we're talking shoe labels that help kids learn left and right shoes, silicone ID bracelets in case your kids get lost, silicone bands for bottles, and emergency labels for lost items, medical alerts, and more!! Watch my unboxing demo video below, keep reading for more info, and don't forget to enter to win some Mabel's Labels goodies in my $280 Value Fab Feb Kids Giveaway here!!

Little Kid School Combo
This variety pack of labels is perfect for the toddler and little kid set, including 122 extra-durable, washable, dishwasher/laundry/microwave-safe labels and 2 tags. That's 40 small rectangle labels, 70 clothing labels, 6 sets of shoe labels, and 2 mini tags for $42.95. ​Perfect for backpacks, clothes, lunch containers, shoes, toys and more. Everything is totally customizable - you choose the first and last name (or as I do, just the last name for items that are shared between your kids), font, and image! My absolute favorite item from this pack is the shoe labels - it splits the image in half and you stick it to the inner sole of your child's shoes, so when they place them down they can quickly understand which is the left and right shoe - BRILLIANT!!! And adorable! If you want to purchase outside of the combo, you can find the Preschool Shoe Labels here (12 sets for $21).

Silicone Bottle Bands
Sold in packs: 2 for $9.99, 3 for $13.50, and 4 for $17 - these personalized silicone bottle bands are dishwasher, microwave, and sterilizer safe and a great way to label items temporarily. A great hack for daycares and parents of several kids who share bottles and drinkware, as my 3 kiddos do! They're designed to fit snugly, and you can see they fit our Contigo bottles great (these are the widest bottles I've come across, and it's not easy to get the bands on and off of these, which is actually good because my kids definitely won't be able to pull them off and play with them). You can customize image and color so kids who can't read yet will be able to easily find their bottle or cup.

Emergency Contact Labels
Including 2 large labels, 2 medium labels, 8 small labels, and 2 metal tags, these brand new emergency contact labels are a great way to label key information such as medical concerns, emergency contacts and medications. Coming in bright colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or black) they are attention grabbing and extremely durable, waterproof, and great for car seats, bikes, medical devices and sports equipment. Get the whole set for just $19.99.

Silicone ID Bracelets
As a mom who is always outnumbered by kids, with or without my husband, I love love LOVE these silicone ID bracelets for when we venture out of our comfort zone into crowded areas such as amusement park, zoo, or while traveling! Customize with name and phone number and never worry about whether or not your child correctly remembers your telephone number again! Get 1 bracelet for $10, 2 for $16, or 3 for $21 and choose from 3 sizes: 2-4 years, 5-8 years, and 9+ years.

Such amazing products, am I right!? Don't forget to enter to win some goodies from Mabel's Labels in my $280 value giveaway here, and you can shop for all of Mabel's Labels products here!

Disclaimer: We were provided free tickets in exchange for this review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased!

I should preface this by stating that I'm not a huge sports fan, and especially not one of ball sports. So when I tell you how much fun I had at Harlem Globetrotters today, it really means something! It wasn't just about sports, it was more like 50% sport and 50% family-friendly exciting performance. So I don't know if I should even call it a game? It was a game involved... there were 2 teams. It was definitely rigged, but I couldn't quite figure out if it was 100% choreographed or not. No matter, it was really fun either way!

The basketball skills were just insane. Beyond the typical players you would expect, they also had a woman player, who they announced was a brand new mom, as well as a player who was under 5' tall! There were lots of fun tricks like spinning balls on fingers and suuuuuuuuuuper long shots. I was expecting all of that, growing up with Harlem Globetrotters on TV and all that. What I hadn't expected was how funny it was!! Lots of joking around and slapstick humor between the players and between the players and referees. At one point they were giving each other huge wedgies and one player ripped the underwear off of the ref, which were prop underwear and big enough to fit a large bear, cue player running around waving them like a giant flag (see below left image).

Perhaps my favorite part was when they started playing the opening song to Lion King, and all the players walked up into the stadium. One found a baby and held him up, Baby Simba style, omg so stinkin' cute!!!!! Sorry for the blurry image (below right) but i was maxed out on my camera zoom!!

My kids are a bit too young (4, 4, and 7), mixed with the fact that they have zero sports experience or interest, so they were into it about 70% of the time and then would drift off, beg for a tablet, or start climbing their seats, but that never lasted too long because there would be something super exciting happen that would pull their attention right back in.

All in all it was a really fun day out with the family! I highly recommend catching Harlem Globetrotters when they come to your neck of the woods! They're currently on their "Pushing the Limits" World Tour and you can save SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM!! You can view their full schedule here - they'll be playing throughout the US, Canada, and even several countries in Europe!!

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 February 15 - 21, 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 clicking.

ONGOING:​​​​​

• ~ Feb 19: Enter to win our $280 value jackpot GIVEAWAY for kids!
• FREE - Feb 18 - 20 - Dance Workshops for ages 6+
• Feb 18-19-20 & 14-15-16: Evamarie Violin Workshops, ages 3-4 and 5-6
• Schools' Midwinter Recess (February 17 - 21)
• ~ March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
• ~ April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
• ~ March 4: Apply to be a CEC 20 (Community Education Council District 20) Member
• ​Family Friendly Day Trips & Weekend Getaway Idea

MID WINTER RECESS CHILD CARE:
Plan ahead for your children's care during Mid Winter Recess (Feb 17 - 21, 2020), here are some options on our radar:

• Bay Ridge Theatre Camp (337 74th St): Feb 17-21 (open house Sat Feb 15); ages 4-16, $235.
• Urban Steam Lab "Animal Planet" Camp (7912 5th Ave): Feb 17 - 21, K-5th graders, 8am-3pm, $100/day or $480/5 days, extended care til 6pm available
• Aviator (3159 Flatbush Ave): 9am-5pm $80/day or 8am-6pm $100/day, 10% off if registering all 5 days, 15% off 2nd child
• Park Slope Day Camp (339 8th St), Pre-K and up.
• Kings Bay Y, Feb 18 - 21, ages 4.5 - 13 years, 8am - 5:30pm, $75/day, $15/day til 6:30pm, $15/day early drop off at 7:30am, $25/day for early/late combo (i.e. 7:30am-6:30pm)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15:

• ​FREE - Valentine's Cookie Decorating @ Cocoa Grinder (9302 4th Ave) @ 10 - 11:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:30
• "Piggy in Pink" 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 @ 268 36th Street @ 12:30 - 4
• FREE - Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of The Beatles for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Team Up To Read: "Just-Right" Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30
• FREE - Bay Ridge Rocks Painting Meetup @ Cocoa Grinder (6823 3rd Ave) @ 5 - 7
• Parents' Survival Night Drop Off @ The Little Gym @ 5 - 8

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids' Cinema Club: Lady & the Tramp @ 268 36th St @ 10:30 - 1:30

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17:

• Alt Side Parking Suspended (Washington's Birthday)
• Schools' Midwinter Recess (February 17 - 21)
• ​FREE - WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• Evamarie 3-Day Violin Workshops Start, ages 3-4 @ 10:30 - 11:10 and 5-6 @ 11:30 - 12:15 @ Crossroads Church​
• FREE - Bollywood Dance Workshop@ 5602 5th Ave @ 11 
• "Van Gogh's Starry Night" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19:

• ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
• 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 - Russian & Ukranian Dance Workshop @ 5602 5th Ave @ 11 
• FREE - Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• "Emoji-A-La-Warhol" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20:

• Zumbini @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - West African Dance Workshop @ 5602 5th Ave @ 11 
• Tots & Toddler Time Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 1
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - African Dance-Urban Stages @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3:30
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - Mexican Folk Dance Workshop @ 5602 5th Ave @ 11 
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• "Twilight City" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• FREE - Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Teen/Tween Anime Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Changing Seasons Kids Yoga Pajama Party @ 5 - 7

Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of February 8 - 14, 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 clicking.

ONGOING:​​​​​

• ~ Feb 19: Enter to win our $280 value jackpot GIVEAWAY for kids!
• ​Feb 5 - March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
• Feb 5 - April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
• (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

MID WINTER RECESS CHILD CARE:
Plan ahead for your children's care during Mid Winter Recess (Feb 17 - 21, 2020), here are some options on our radar:

• Bay Ridge Theatre Camp (337 74th St): Feb 17-21 (open house Sat Feb 15); ages 4-16, $235.
• Urban Steam Lab "Animal Planet" Camp (7912 5th Ave): Feb 17 - 21, K-5th graders, 8am-3pm, $100/day or $480/5 days, extended care til 6pm available
• Aviator (3159 Flatbush Ave): 9am-5pm $80/day or 8am-6pm $100/day, 10% off if registering all 5 days, 15% off 2nd child
• Park Slope Day Camp (339 8th St), Pre-K and up.
• Kings Bay Y, Feb 18 - 21, ages 4.5 - 13 years, 8am - 5:30pm, $75/day, $15/day til 6:30pm, $15/day early drop off at 7:30am, $25/day for early/late combo (i.e. 7:30am-6:30pm)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8:

• Kids Crafts Event ($5) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• Project K!D V-Day Craft Workshop @ 51 35th Street @ 11 - 1
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of Bob Marley & More for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• Mindfulness & Stress Management for Students @ Omn Vibe Yoga @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 1 - 5 (on the hour)
• FREE - Wishful Fish (Museum of Chinese America Craft Time) @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• Smishie Graphic Novel Book Release & Signing @ BookMark Shoppe @ 2 - 4:30
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30
• Teen Valentine's Party ($10) @ St. Mary's @ 7 - 10

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9:

• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​​
• FREE - Sunset Park Kids Cinema Club: Toy Story 4 @ 268 36th St @ 10:30 - 1
• Ari Safari: Live Animal Show @ IC's Yurt Courtyard 1/2 @ 2 - 4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10:

• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Karaoke for Kids @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5
• FREE - Chess Workshop @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - DIY for Teens: Friendship Day Slime! @ McKinley Park Library @ 4 - 5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12:

• Alt Side Parking Suspended (Lincoln's Birthday)
• ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
• 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 - 3:30
• FREE - Build with LEGO @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - MakerBot DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13:

• Mandarin Music Class (ages 0-4 years; today starts the 5-week long class, $95, taught in Mandarin, includes music, stories & art) @ 10 - 10:50 @ Evamarie Violin Studio
• Zumbini @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 4
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14:

• ​Happy Valentine's Day!!
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Kids Create: Valentine's Day Craft @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Tot Shabbat @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 5:30 - 6:30

Disclaimer: This giveaway has been sponsored by the brands included, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post also includes some affiliate links - you won't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking.

One of my New Year Resolutions was to organize a big group giveaway once a month, and so far so good!! For February, we have a fabulous $280 value jackpot of goodies for your kids! Read on for details on the great prizes, and enter to win in the Rafflecopter app at the bottom of this post!

PRIZES:

$100 Credit from DiscountGlasses.com
With affordable frames for babies through adults, both prescription glasses and prescription / non-prescription sunglasses, DiscountGlasses.com has your entire family covered! I love that they have an easy virtual try on for most frames on their site, and free returns and 1 year guarantee. Simply visit your eye doctor or optometrist to get your prescription, go to the website to select your frames, enter in your prescription and upload it to the site, and your new glasses will arrive at your door in no time! My 4 year old daughter and I have gotten several prescription glasses from here, and all 3 of my kids have gotten non-prescription sunglasses from here as well. You can see my full review here, and my hilarious #DollyPartonChallenge featuring my frames here! For babies and toddlers, they even have bendable hingeless (unbreakable basically) frames - watch my daughter unboxing and trying on her Miraflex below! Our grand prize winner will receive $100 credit to DiscountGlasses.com (affiliate link).

Zahler Gummies - 8 Pack of Assorted Kids' Vitamins!
A third-generation family company, Zahler produces over 150 unique supplements. Each of the healthy, all-natural herbs, vitamins and minerals in their synergistic blends of superior formulas is proven effective in studies and in direct experience with the public, and are also certified kosher. Our grand prize winner will receive a 1 bottle of each of the following 8 packs of children's gummies (1-2 month supply each): Vitamin D, Fiber, Multivitamin, Omega 3, Immune Support (with Elderberry, Zinc, & Vitamin C), Melatonin, Calcium & Vitamin D3, and Vitamin C - a $90 value!

• Learn more on zahlers.com and shop all Zahler products on Amazon (affiliate link) - including infant, children's, women's, men's, bone & joint, digestive health, heart, immune system, mind & spirit, pick me up, and more!

Mabel's Labels Variety Pack
Whether you have a baby or a big kid, Mabel's Labels has what you need to make sure everything is labeled beautifully - from clothes and bags to shoes and bottles! Heck, you can even label your grownup gear!! Our grand prize winner will receive a really great fully personalized variety pack, including their Little Kid School Combo (122 labels and 2 tags, even shoe sole labels to help little ones learn left and right feet!!), Bottle Bands (2 stretchy silicone bands per bag, perfect for cups and bottles), and Emergency Contact Label set (12 labels and 2 tags), a $73 value!

• Learn more and shop for all of their customizable products on mabelslabels.com (affiliate link).
• Stay tuned - my full blog and YouTube review is coming soon on all items from the above set!!

Munchie Mug Snack Cup
Munchie Mug snack cups are not only spill-proof, they’re also SHAKE PROOF! The unique lid features 2 overlapping pieces of fabric, that are extremely effective at keeping snacks in, and they’re much gentler on the hands than traditional plastic snack cup tops! What’s more? Free from BPA/Phthalate /Lead /PVC and proudly made in the USA, these are the only snack cups your kids will ever need – a staple in every car, stroller, and home! You can buy them on their munchiemug.com and Amazon. Our winner will receive one in their size (12oz or 16oz) and color of choice! Don't miss my demo and review here:

ENTER TO WIN!!!
Enter to win in the Rafflecopter app below - open to US residents ages 18 and over. Only a comment on this blog post is required to enter (don't forget to tell the app you did so), but the more actions you take the more entry points and chances to win you'll accumulate! Some actions can be taken daily!! Good luck guys and don't forget to keep coming back as we'll have new giveaways with new themes (babies, pregnancy, home goods, etc) each month!!

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 February 1 - 7, 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 clicking.

ONGOING:​​​​​

• ​~ Feb 2: Free Trial Classes at Music Together
• Feb 5 - March 16: UPK4 Applications for children born in 2016 (more info and apply here)
• Feb 5 - April 24: UPK3 Applications for children born in 2017 (more info and apply here, only available in Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32 i.e. not in Bay Ridge, but anyone can apply no matter where you live)​
• (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

MID WINTER RECESS CHILD CARE:
Plan ahead for your children's care during Mid Winter Recess (Feb 17 - 21, 2020), here are some options on our radar:

• Bay Ridge Theatre Camp (337 74th St): Feb 17-21 (open house Sat Feb 15); ages 4-16, $235.
• Urban Steam Lab "Animal Planet" Camp (7912 5th Ave): Feb 17 - 21, K-5th graders, 8am-3pm, $100/day or $480/5 days, extended care til 6pm available
• Aviator (3159 Flatbush Ave): 9am-5pm $80/day or 8am-6pm $100/day, 10% off if registering all 5 days, 15% off 2nd child
• Park Slope Day Camp (339 8th St), Pre-K and up.
• Kings Bay Y, Feb 18 - 21, ages 4.5 - 13 years, 8am - 5:30pm, $75/day, $15/day til 6:30pm, $15/day early drop off at 7:30am, $25/day for early/late combo (i.e. 7:30am-6:30pm)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 12:30 - 1
• FREE - Chess Workshop for Children @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 12:30 - 2:30
• FREE - Rock and Roll Playhouse: Karina's Funk Revue for Kids @ 274 36th St (Courtyard 5-6) @ 1 - 2
• FREE - Chess at 3 @ 268 36th Street @ 1 - 5 (on the hour)
• FREE - Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3 - 3:30

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2:

• Changing Seasons Kids Yoga (ages 4-10) @ Young Love NYC @ 10:15 - 11
• ​Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 9:30 - 11​​​

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3:

• Dr. Alex & Friends Singalong ($10) @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 10 - 11​​​
• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​Tic Toc Spanish @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Karaoke for Kids @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• ​BYOBaby Play Date ($5) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5:

• ​Lavender Blues ($20) @ Dimensions on Stage @ 10 - 10:45
• 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 - Teen Lounge @ Dyker Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• FREE - Build With Lego @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6:

• Zumbini @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• FREE - Babies & Books @ Dyker Library @ 1:15 - 2
• FREE - Teen Tech Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• FREE - Dungeons and Dragons @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• FREE - "It's OK to be a Unicorn" Storytime with Author @ BookMark Shoppe @ 4 - 5
• Drop-In Karate Class for Kids & Adults ($10) @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 6 - 7
• FREE -Imagine NYC Schools Info Session @ PS/IS 30 @ 6 - 8
• FREE - Street Safety Task Force Meeting @ Fort Hamilton Senior Center @ 6:30 - 7:30

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7:

• FREE - Toy Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10 - 12
• FREE - A Lunar New Year Celebration with Ba Ban Chinese Music Society @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 4
• FREE - Game On! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Xcode Life but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post also includes affiliate links - you won't pay more but we'll receive a small commission from purchases made after clicking the links.

For under $100 you can get your DNA analyzed by a number of companies who will break down your ancestry and ethnicity into easy to understand percentages and maps. It's very cool, in fact my husband and I had ours done by 23andMe a couple of years ago (see that video here) and my Japanese born and bred husband had pretty shocking results that he was not 100% Japanese!! You can learn about yourself, connect with distant family members, and for those adopted, even have the chance to find your birth parents or siblings! The science behind it all is fascinating, and frankly way over my head!

Did you know, you can very easily download the raw DNA data from 23andMe, Ancestry, FamilyTreeNDA, Living DNA, MyHeritage DNA and a number of others, and upload it to Xcode Life (who sponsored this post) to gleam even more information about your health, personality traits, fitness, skin, and more!?! That's right! It's super easy, and their reports are provided SAME DAY!! Watch my overview video here, that includes going through my own results live!!

Some of the insights I found the most valuable and interesting for myself were:

• I'm less likely to lose weight from exercise and should experience weight loss better with a high protein and high fiber intake. The reports even broke it down and provided me with a recommended diet plan of 45% carbs, 35% protein, and 20% fats, and exercise plan of cardio 3-4 days a week, strength training 2-3 days a week, and flexibility training 3-7 days a week.​

• I have a high risk for hemochromatosis (iron overload, which can be deadly if unaware that you have it). This is actually something my uncle was diagnosed with a few years ago, so this result was extremely eye opening and has prompted me to make an appointment with my doctor to discuss any necessary diagnostic tests.
• I'm likely to have both the warrior personality trait (better processing of aversive stimuli) and worrier personality trait (advantage in memory and attention tasks; associated with more pain in response to aversive stimuli).
• It also ran through a long list of allergy risks, which are not diagnostic like a blood or skin test, but are still useful and could prompt one's decision to go in for further testing, or perhaps to understand your baby's possible increased risk before introducing first foods. I found it interesting that I have a high risk of peanut allergy, yet I don't have one and neither do my 3 kids, thankfully.

All in all, it's fascinating to read through all of these reports about yourself. It's very possible you will discover something that will improve your health or even save your life. Discovering you have a high risk for something such as diabetes or Alzheimer's, for example, will hopefully prompt you to have a much needed conversation with your doctor, and be on the lookout for early signs of disease onset that you might have otherwise shrugged off!

If interested in learning more or making a purchase, you'll first need to order and submit your basic DNA / Ethnicity / Ancestry Kit through one of the following companies compatible with Xcode Life. Here are a few available on Amazon (all affiliate links):

• 23andMe Genetic DNA Ancestry Kit
• Ancestry DNA Genetic Ethnicity Kit 
• FamilyTree DNA
• Living DNA
• MyHeritage DNA Ancestry & Ethnicity Genetic Test​

​After receiving those reports, you can head on over to shop all of Xcode Life's products here, and get $10 off the Mega Pack with code "USJAPANFAM10" (valid through February 15, 2020), and of course you can find them on Facebook and Instagram!