This month, Karts Indoor Raceway in Ronkonkoma began renovations to add several new rides and attractions to its facility. The new rides include a Frog Hopper ride (quick vertical motion to stimulate rising and falling), a Whip Ride (sudden spins and changes in motion), a Himalaya ride (spinning), and bumper cars. In addition to the new rides, Karts is revamping its game offerings to include a number of arcade games with tickets that can be exchanged for prizes, an iCombat game (a realistic, grown-up version of traditional laser tag), and a virtual reality roller coaster. The facility has also changed its name to Karts Indoor Raceway Family Center.

Dec 11, 2018

Turtle Bay Music School to Open Preschool in September 2019

Turtle Bay Music School, an all-ages music learning center in Murray Hill, has announced it will open its doors for preschool in September 2019. Children ages 2-5, and in some cases even younger, can attend this NYC school. It will use music as a central tool for exploration and support as students prepare for kindergarten.

Dec 11, 2018

Clowns.com Introduces New Science Birthday Parties

Clowns.com will offer STEM-themed birthday parties starting January 2019. The science parties will consist of two scientists, Scientist X and Scientist Y (named after the chromosomes) each clad in lab coats, performing demonstrations and leading hands-on experiments with the kids. Experiments can be anything from making slime to learning about magnetic fields, each activity tailored to your child's age group.

Dec 10, 2018

Improve Behavior By Boosting Self-Esteem

Kids with a higher sense of self-esteem behave better and thrive more than kids with lower self-confidence. Here's how to build your child's sense of self worth.

IKEA is Coming to the Upper East Side

The rumors are true, IKEA U.S. announced on Monday that it will be opening its first city store on the Upper East Side! The new location is contributing to the company's commitment to bringing IKEA to urban areas. The "IKEA Planning Studio" is slated to open in Manhattan in the spring of 2019. The store will open at 999 Third Avenue.

Dec 07, 2018

Where to Celebrate Hanukkah on Long Island

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights that remembers the miracle of lamp oil lasting for eight days, is celebrated this year from December 2-10. Here's our list of the best events to celebrate Hanukkah, or learn about Jewish culture, from menorah lightings to musical performances and yummy foods. Experience Hanukkah in New York City regardless of your county, be it Suffolk or Nassau county. Also check out our roundups for Hanukkah events in Westchester, Rockland, and Bergen counties and New York City.

Nov 16, 2018

Cultural Festivals & Events in the NYC Area

Part of what makes New York City great is that it is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. You can teach your kids about different cultures through museum visits and books, or you can take to the streets to experience these cultures for yourself. Check out this list of 2018's cultural events and festivals in NYC and the surrounding area, and get to celebrating with your family!

Oct 25, 2018

Infant Ibuprofen from CVS, Walmart, and Family Dollar Has Been Recalled

A recall has been issued for over-the-counter infant ibuprofen sold by the retailers CVS, Family Dollar, and Walmart, according to Tris Pharma. The Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) 50mg per 1.25mL could potentially have concentrations of ibuprofen that are too high and therefore dangerous.

Dec 06, 2018

Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in the New York Area

Find local Christmas tree farms to cut your own Christmas tree in the New York area for the holiday season.

Oct 23, 2018

Signs of a Gifted Baby or Toddler

Let’s first understand what’s “normal” for a one year old. Developmentally, by twelve months, a child can say a few words, imitate your voice, distinguish different sounds and understand simple instructions like, “Drink your juice”. Does that sound crazy to you? Was your child doing these things before six months of age?

Jun 12, 2018

Instagram-Worthy Moments from Kids' Activities & Programs in Queens

We asked some of our Queens partners to provide photos of the activities that go on in their walls. We posted the results to the @NYMetroParents Instagram account and are publishing them below. What follows are beautiful, dynamic photos of after-school activities, performances, health care professionals, schools, summer camps, and other child-focused businesses throughout Queens, including services for children in Jackson Heights, Middle Village, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck, Bayside, Astoria, Glendale, Elmhurst, and Flushing.

Dec 08, 2018

Instagram-Worthy Moments from Kids' Activities & Programs in Manhattan

We asked some of our Manhattan partners to provide photos of the activities that go on in their walls. We posted the results to the @NYMetroParents Instagram account and are publishing them below. What follows are beautiful, dynamic photos of after-school activities, performances, health care professionals, schools, summer camps, and other child-focused businesses throughout Manhattan, including services for children in Tribeca, the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, the Bronx, Harlem, Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Gramercy, Chelsea, Nolita, and Midtown.

Dec 08, 2018

Instagram-Worthy Moments from Kids' Activities & Programs in Nassau County

We asked some of our Nassau County partners to provide photos of the activities that go on in their walls. We posted the results to the @NYMetroParents Instagram account and are publishing them below. What follows are beautiful, dynamic photos of after-school activities, performances, health care professionals, schools, summer camps, and other child-focused businesses throughout Nassau County, including services for children in Cold Spring Harbor, Farmingdale, Hempstead, Middle Island, Greenvale, Garden City, East Meadow, Jericho, Huntington, Glen Head, Melville, Mineola, Wheatley Heights, Huntington Station, and Port Washington.

Dec 08, 2018

Instagram-Worthy Moments from Kids' Activities & Programs in Suffolk County

We asked some of our Suffolk County partners to provide photos of the activities that go on in their walls. We posted the results to the @NYMetroParents Instagram account and are publishing them below. What follows are beautiful, dynamic photos of after-school activities, performances, health care professionals, schools, summer camps, and other child-focused businesses throughout Suffolk County, including services for children in East Setauket, Aquebogue, Central Islip, Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, Smithtown, North Lindenhurst, Northport Village, Dix Hills, Southampton, Miller Place, Huntington, Melville, Bellport, and Wheatley Heights.

Dec 08, 2018

Instagram-Worthy Moments from Kids' Activities & Programs in Westchester

We asked some of our Westchester County partners to provide photos of the activities that go on in their walls. We posted the results to the @NYMetroParents Instagram account and are publishing them below. What follows are beautiful, dynamic photos of after-school activities, performances, health care professionals, schools, summer camps, and other child-focused businesses throughout Westchester County, including services for children in Mamaroneck, White Plains, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Hawthorne, Briarcliff Manor, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Purchase, Mount Vernon, and Rye, and in nearby Greenwich and Stamford, CT.

Dec 08, 2018