A Child Grows In Brooklyn

A Cool New Book To Spot

I got this book 1001 Things To Spot In The Town and Birch absolutely loves it. And I do too- I don't get bored looking at it and I can usually find something to laugh at on each page. There are 1001 things for you to spot based on a legend on each page: find the 5 waiters in an Italian cafe, find the 8 kids swimming in an Asian river village, locate the 9 lobster pots in a new england port town, etc. The pages are dense with little vignettes- a dog and bird vying for the same piece of pizza that a boy has dropped or a waiter whose tray has flipped over. The book is also giving Birch some counting practice, a look at what other cities look like around the world and is helping him to use his eye coordination. (Believe me, spotting those objects on each page is not easy!) There are a whole series of the books- spot sea animals (see photo below), animals (see other photo below), fairies, bugs, etc.

 

The publisher is Usborne Books. They have super friendly family and school policies. You can return a book within 30 days for a full refund if you are unhappy with it: they have a Lifetime Replacement Policy, any book will be replaced at half price: if a school staff buys a total over $85.00 in books they will donate books to the school library or favorite charity.

I asked one of the book reps at Usborne books, William Waldman, to name his 2 favorite books that they sell so I could get a sense of what else is good in their inventory.

He mentioned these:  
The Illustrated Dictionary of Math
A great book for students in grades 5-7.  It is a parents and student’s resource book for all things math.

The First Thousand Words in Hebrew.  It is a picture dictionary.  These book are available in:  French, Italian, Hebrew, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, Latin, Polish and Portuguese.

 

A Child Grows Event Picks Additions

THE CARROLL PARK CONCERT SERIES continues with Randy Kaplan on Wednesday, July 23th at 4 pm. I like Randy's songs- I have heard them quite a few time and think they are a little bit silly, folky and good.  Randy Kaplan is a Brooklyn-based songwriter that has released six CDs, the most recent being the children's record Five Cent Piece. The CD features classics like "Over the Rainbow" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want", and original songs too. Kaplan has been praised and recommended by New York Magazine, TONY Kids, Cookie Magazine, Parenting Magazine, and others.  Visit www.randykaplan.com There will be face painting by Gymstars and t-shirts designed by Ted Meyer available for decorating, as well as food and drinks provided by Moxie Spot, so please arrive with a bit of pocket money!  All proceeds benefit The Committee to Improve Carroll Park. The Carroll Park Concert Sereis asks for a nominal donation, if possible, to help cover costs.

This sounds like a must-do event to me. On Wednesday, July 9th until July 20th is Brooklyn's annual Festa del Giglio stretches over a week and a half and features a parade with a 65-foot tall structure hoisted above the streets of Williamsburg, carnival rides, live music, and Italian cuisine. North 8th and Havemeyer Streets. 718.384.0223 http://www.olmcfeast.com Ongoing Daily 7/9/08 - 7/20/08; check with location for exceptions. Free; bring cash for rides and food.  275 N 8th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11211  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Go Fish!
The 61st annual Macy's catch and release fishing contest returns to Brooklyn's only freshwater lake. Prizes are awarded daily for different winning categories. The fisherkid who catches R.H. Macy (a largemouth bass) wins a fishing trip for the whole family! Prospect Park provides bamboo rods and kernel corn bait, and assists children in baiting and casting their fishing lines. The Brooklyn Cyclones' mascot, Sandy the Seagull, and the Shinbone Alley Stilt Band provide entertainment. All participants can attend educational workshops led by Prospect Park Audubon Center educators and the Urban Park Rangers. Enter the Park at Lincoln Road and Ocean Ave, or Flatbush Avenue and Empire Blvd. Free parking is available at the Kate Wollman parking lot. The competition is open to children ages 15 and younger. Register in advance or on the spot. Groups of 10 or more must pre-register by calling 718.287.3400, ext 114.
718.287.3400, ex 114
http://www.prospectpark.org
Ongoing Daily 7/16/08 - 7/20/08; check with location for exceptions.
Ages: 2 to 15
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: Free
(This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Launching A Forum On Monday

Awhile back, I did a survey which so many of you kindly answered. In it, I asked if you all wanted a forum. The answer was "yes". So, this Monday we are debuting a new forum. 

This young company, Inside Crowd, is kindly letting me test their software on this blog to see how you all use it. I hope you use the PANTS off of it!

It will be a place to ask questions, comment on places, things, answer questions, give advice and just about anything to do with parenting in Brooklyn.

I hope you all like it. I can't wait to see you use it. And, by the way, PLEASE use it- that way we can keep momentum and keep it going.

So, until Monday.......

A Child Grows Event Picks

If you don't catch Big Nazo at Central Park SummerStage this weekend, you can head to Sunset Park on Wednesday, July 16th at 10:30 am to see them. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. The Sunset Park Park and Rec Center is at 7th ave at 43rd Street.

 

On Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.head out to McCarren Park in Williamsburg for Town Square's Summer Starz, Kidz Night. The events are: 6:00 p.m. Children’s Hour :An imaginative arts/crafts session with the Greenpoint Toy Center.  7:30 p.m. Live Music with Opus Ditty & the Hoedown Gang.  A hip, neo-traditional approach to children’s music with a blend of pop, rock, country, and storytelling that takes the whole family on an uplifting musical adventure. Movie at Sunset: Ice Age, Poland, 2002, 81 min. PG.  A delightful Oscar-nominated animated film involving a wooly mammoth, a sloth and a saber tooth tiger who find a lost human baby and try to return him to his tribe.  MCCARREN PARK

John Michael Cummings will read from his debut novel The Night I Freed John Brown, this Wednesday, July 16th, at 7:00 PM, at Barnes & Noble, 106 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.  Store number:  (718) 246-4996  This is a story for children, age 10 and up, teens, and adults!  Kirkus Reviews says:  "Characterizations are sharp, the setting eerily evoked and the story satisfying.  A highly original meditation on how the past can haunt the present.

Mamalu is offering their second week of trial classes. They are all free. Early registration will be available with a 10% discount during trial week. Email scheyla@mamalunyc.com to RSVP for the following classes:

THURSDAY 17
RECYCLED ART
3pm - 3:45pm  (Ages 4 to 6 years old)
Young artists will use a variety of recycled materials to create two and three-dimensional artwork. Projects include: junk printmaking,  www.privatepicassos.com

ZIP, ZAP ZOOM: COMICS FOR KIDS
4pm - 4:45pm  (Ages 5 to 7 years old)
Budding comic artists and enthusiasts will learn the basics to creating their own comic book through hands on activities and explorations of contemporary comic artists. www.privatepicassos.com
Mamalu
http://mamalu.us/
232 North 12th Street (btw. Roebling and Driggs Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-486-6312

On Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at UNDERWOOD PARK at Lafayette & Washington avenues in Clinton Hill, check out a new type of salsa, reggaeton, and rock 'n roll musical of The Wizard of Oz/ Mago De Oz.

On Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 and Friday, Jul 18, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. head out to Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park/ BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK, for a puppet show. This show is performed by kids with puppets made by kids. Bring the kids to enjoy an hour-long puppet show about the Brooklyn Bridge .
Whitebird Productions/Creative Theatrics. FREE!  For more information: www.brooklynbridgepark.org

 

 

Every Saturday in July & August, 2 p.m. there is storytelling in the Imagination Playground in Prospect Park. This Saturday, July 19th is the Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour. Children can sit in Peter’s chair, pet Willie, or lean against Peter reading his book as they listen to stories from around the world. This series, funded by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, has become a traditional part of summers in Prospect Park. Free

On Monday, Jul 21 at 10:30 a.m. in BUSH CLINTON PARK at Lorraine, Clinton, & Henry street you can see a live bi-lingual performance of Little Red Riding Hood / La Capercita Roja performed by The Society of the Educational Arts, Inc. (SEA).

Second Chance Saturdays - Clothing and Textile Recycling is at Grand Army Plaza this Saturday, Jul 19, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Recycle your unwanted textile materials at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket every Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Acceptable donations include used clothing, shoes, boots, hats, jackets, towels, bedding, and linens. Goodwill will provide receipts upon request for those wishing to use their donation as a charitable contribution.

If you like volleyball this is your chance to see the pros go at it.  The AVP Crocs Slam Brooklyn Open is at Coney Island on Saturday, Jul 19, 2008 and Sunday, July 20th from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.avp.com/brooklyn or call (718) 702-5246. CONEY ISLAND BEACH & BOARDWALK Coney Island Boardwalk (21st Street and Boardwalk)

Every Sunday until July 20th is Family Fun Day at Belmont Park from 12--4pm. You can find pony rides, petting zoos, face painting, clowns, characters, bounce houses, family shows, and more....http://www.nyra.com.  516.488.6000, ex 3306.  Adults $2; Children (under 12) free; $1 charitable donation for Pony Rides.  Belmont Park  2150 Hempstead Turnpike  Elmont, NY 11003  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

 

On Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 Town Square Summer Starz is hosting Latin Night at MCCARREN PARK! Here is the sequence of events:
6:00 p.m. Children’s Hour : A music session with Town Square’s Music Partners & Gina Samardge. 7:30 p.m. Live Music: Maquina Mono is a mix of Latin flavor, funky groove, grunge intensity, and rock’n roll party. Movie at Sunset is The Mambo Kings, France, 1992, 104 min.  With suitcases full of song and hearts filled with passion, two brothers, Cesar and Nestor, leave Cuba for America in the 1950s in search of a dream.  Cesar is the older brother, the business manager, and the ladies' man. Nestor is the brooding songwriter who cannot forget the woman in Cuba who broke his heart.

On Sunday, July 27th, the Cyclones will host "The Cyclones Love Park Slope Night" at KeySpan Park in Coney Island. As part of this event, the Cyclones will hold "stroller olympics" events in-between innings, offer free valet stroller parking outside KeySpan Park, host a pre-game "Gymboree" class in centerfield, accept "brag about your kid" submissions to be displayed on the video scoreboard, highlight some of Park Slope's most famous people and places, allow strollers onto the field after the game to run the bases. For more information, log on to www.brooklyncyclones.com. Anyone wishing to participate in the evening's Park Slope-related activities may register at the information table the night of the game.

Children's Flatware that is Fun

I am always so disappointed to find such a small collection of non-Disneyfied, non-commercial flatware out there for kids. If I do find flatware that isn't commercial, then it is super expensive. So, I have been scouring the internet for some smart choices that aren't just about design, but actually work well.  Here is what I found:

My personal favorite is the kids fork and spoon made by Bambu. I bought this set awhile ago and love it.  The fork really spears and the spoon truly scoops. Plus I love that they aren't plastic, but100% organically-grown bamboo with food-safe wood oil. $8.00 from Branch.com. These are for children 9+ months.

This is the most expensive of the bunch, but sure can take the beatings of use.  This set of flatware has cute animals on it- monkeys, giraffes, elephants, etc. It is stainless steel so cleans easily and is lightweight. Be careful though, the knife has a serrated blade. The place setting includes a spoon, cereal/soup spoon, fork and knife. Set of four, one of each piece for $34.95 Get it here at Williams Sonoma.

I think these puppet utensils are so much fun. This flatware can be bought in any color scheme you want- and they all interlock for easy travel and table setup. They are designed in Italy and called "Trebimbi Puppets Flatware". You can get them at in a set of three at www.babygeared.com for $23 in any color you see in the photo.

I love these Bender Utensils by Boon. These utensils are adaptable and were designed to make the transition to regular utensils easier. You can position the adjustable end to the angle to accommodate the child’s grip. As motor skills develop, adjust little by little, until straightened. You can get them at www.babygeared.com for $6 each. For children 9+ months.

Modware (the orange and white utensils) are for toddlers who are not quite ready for adult flatware.  They have soft, rubbery handles and arebdishwasher safe.You can get them at www.babygeared.com for $5 each.

Lastly, I like these Dinnersaurs Utensils. These are for kids aged 3+, who aren't quite ready for adult utensils. They are cool looking and ergonomically designed to fit well in a child's hand.  You can buy them at Kangarooboo.com for $12.50 for the set.

Baby Proofers in Brooklyn

I have seen this question come up a number of times on the Yahoo parents groups: "Anyone know a babyproofer?"

Well, now I can say yes, and a good one at that.

Courtney and Fred, Brooklyn parents, recently founded a company called "Baby Bodyguards". After having their first son and trying to create a safe home environment to protect him they realized that had an interest and knack in helping others do the same thing.  They contacted me to see if I would be interested in having them do a "mock" baby proofing at our place. I said "sure", fairly confident that there wouldn't be much for them to do. You see, handyman Papa Tree is really good at spotting safety concerns and finding ways to protect Birch from them. (Like the slippery stool I bought for Birch that looked cool and was a nice blue, or the book box that had super sharp edges...) So I thought we would pass with flying colors.

Fred called beforehand to confirm our appointment and came promptly. The first thing he did was hand me a onesie (for our new one) with their logo on it. Brownie points! Then we sat down and discussed the major safety issues and if we had dealt with them.  He asked if he had a fire plan (no) and fire egresses (only one which he pointed out was one too few), if we had carbon monoxide and fire detectors (yes, yes), were the fire detectors installed in each bedroom (no), did we have plants in the house (yes) and could they be potentially poisonous (well I didn't know that for sure until he told me which ones were poisonous) . Hmmm....Papa Tree and I hadn't thought about all of this at all!  Then Fred stood up and asked if he could go through our apartment. Armed with a clipboard with sheets of personalized forms, he noted his concerns and suggestions. He examined each niche of our place.  About ten minutes into his walk-through, I told him it felt intrusive to have our apartment inspected so closely. He acknowledged that that feeling was common and that he wasn't there to be critical, but just to offer suggestions and help. I felt better revealing my thoughts to him and was doubly glad that it wasn't surprising to him. He was right: he wasn't critical, just honestly helpful as we walked through the apartment together.

Right away, he recognized that one outlet near the sink was not grounded properly and needed to be addressed immediately (I was aware of that actually and was pleased that he found that right away). He suggested tying up cables that seemed easy for a toddler to pull and thus their accompanying electronics with them.  He found an air conditioner plugged into a surge protector and advised against that for very technical reasons, which make a lot of sense, but too much for me to go into here. Fred suggested putting doorknob protectors on a couple of closets that seemed potentially hazardous (one closet that had cleaning materials and the other a large laundry bin that Birch could climb into).  He did suggest another baby gate besides the one that we had improperly installed.  He was neither overly alarmist nor too casual in his advice.

Lastly, he asked about our car seats. I pulled out our thirdhand infant seat that we will use again for our new baby. He looked at his recall list, then examined our seat thoroughly and concluded it was fine to use again (thank God!) He also checked to make sure Birch's car seat was properly installed (it was not) and made strap adjustments to fit Birch better. He had very official car seat forms that I had to sign and that he sends in to the state (I think) to confirm that he had done the seat checks.  Not everyone who does seat checks ,by the way, is properly certified to do so.  He did tell me that Baby Bodyguards does do day-long free car seat checks every once in awhile. Check out their website to find out times and locations.

I thought we were done, but no! Then he went to his car and brought back an enormous tub of babyproofing devices. He installed cabinet locks with a cordless drill in about 5 minutes (honestly!), put doorknob locks on the appropriate closets, put outlet plugs in those that needed them and put surge protector guards where needed.  If I had wanted another babygate installed he would have selected the correct one and come back and installed it. I asked him which one he would suggest for our awkward layout and he knew the right one (I had already checked this out). He would have also installed window guards, but I hadn't ordered them yet.

All in all, it took about 2.5 hours and I kindof rushed him off in the end, being tired and pregnant. When he left I felt much better knowing that some of the babyproofing had been done immediately and had I been a "real" customer all the specialty items would have been done in a timely manner too- as part of a package that they offer. I was so impressed that I asked him right there and then if he and his wife would guest post about safety for this blog now and then.

The next day I got a PDF from Fred that gave me a breakdown of each room, his suggestions as to what to do and the best products for his suggestions.

I thought he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, likeable, and nonjudgmental.  It seems there is finally a company out there who has taken the babyproofing business seriously and can do it with skill and great organization.

Baby Bodyguards offers package prices which include the cost of the products and installation. They have fun names for their packages: Granparent/Weekender package, One Level Living package, Duplex Living package and, of course, custom packages for all income levels. The prices are listed on their site. They also have a blog, http://babybodyguards.blogspot.com/ ,that has some helpful hints from "how to bathe a newborn" to recent recalls.

A Child Grows Event Picks

This sounds like a must-do event to me. On Wednesday, July 9th is Brooklyn's annual Festa del Giglio stretches over a week and a half and features a parade with a 65-foot tall structure hoisted above the streets of Williamsburg, carnival rides, live music, and Italian cuisine. North 8th and Havemeyer Streets. 718.384.0223 http://www.olmcfeast.com Ongoing Daily 7/9/08 - 7/20/08; check with location for exceptions. Free; bring cash for rides and food.  275 N 8th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11211  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Called the “social event of the season for the ‘under eight’ crowd,” over 200 people attended the Carroll Park Concert Series' first show. And so the series continues next week. Lloyd Miller (of the Deedle Deedle Dees) will perform this Wednesday, July 9th at 4 pm. Visit www.thedeedledeedledess.com for more info.They will have arts and crafts, including face painting and t-shirt decorating, as well as food and drinks, so you might like to  arrive with a bit of pocket money!  All proceeds benefit The Committee to Improve Carroll Park. All concerts are, weather permitting, at: Carroll Park, President Street at Smith Street in Carroll Gardens (Take the F train to the Carroll St. Stop)
www.carrollparkbrooklyn.org/concerts

I have seen the Give and Take Jugglers in the park before and they are pretty hilarious.  They will be at the Van Cortland Park on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Give & Take Jugglers are a family-oriented vaudeville act that will be at the  Playground for All Childrern at Bruckner Blvd. Middletown Rd.

Open now until October 5th you have a chance to play miniature golf on Governors Island. Each hole has been designed by an artist. It is a nine-hole mini golf course that is free and open to the public. Each hole has been conceived, constructed and installed by a different artist or group of artists, all variations on the theme "City of Dreams." www.figmentnyc.org/minigolf

If you want a good view of Olafur Eliasson's waterfalls. you can visit Pier 1 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It sounds like a perfect outing: eating RICE's food at a picnic table under trees, walking through grass, wifi on your laptop, plopping your child into a clean sand play area and watching the watefalls.  This new park area is huge!: 26,000 square feet! It just opened last weekend and will stay open until Labor Day for seven days a week from 10:00am - 10:00pm.

If you want to see the waterfalls from a boat, there are dedicated boat journeys to view the Waterfalls.  Organized by the Public Art Fund in partnership with Circle Line Downtown, boats will leave from Pier 16 in Manhattan and will provide up-close views of the installations. The Circle Line will provide free and discounted trips daily for the public. The free Governors Island Ferry, which will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the length of the project, and the Staten Island Ferry will also provide views of the waterfalls at Governors Island and between Piers 4 and 5 in the future Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Pier 1 is located on the East River at the base of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street and is accessible by subway via the A/C at High Street, the 2/3 at Clark Street, and the 4/5 at Borough Hall.  A free shuttle bus service will run with stops at Borough Hall and High Street at Cadman Plaza West. Shuttle service will operate Fridays 5pm-10:30pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-10:30pm.

Saturday, July 12th, The French Institute- Alliance Fraincaise (FIAF) takes over 60th Street, between Lexington and Fifth Avenues, to host an annual salute to France's national celebration. Stop by for music, face painting, arts & crafts, a "Tour de France" stationary bike race, petanque, storytelling, dancing, French food (at affordable prices), and more.
****My friend took her two children to this last year and said that the food was not only fantastic but the arts and crafts were of a very high quality. 12n-6pm
French Institute - Alliance Francaise (FIAF)   22 East 60th Street   New York, NY 10022 (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Family Day is this Saturday, July 12th. There will be free giveaways, kids activities, all to combat childhood obesity. The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is an annual event celebrating Hip Hop Culture and the borough of Brooklyn. This year   Brooklyn Bodega and F.O.K.U.S. are establishing a new tradition, Brooklyn Hip Hop Family Day. From Noon to 4pm, babies, toddlers, young teens and families are encouraged to head down to Empire Fulton Ferry State Park for an afternoon of Hip-Hop and community building. On July 12th from 12pm -3pm families will able to participate   in team building challenges, creative projects, and cultural trivia. There will   also be visual arts, dance & movement demonstrations.  Metropolitan Hospital   will be offering diabetes and asthma screenings,  There will also be a KidsZone with various activities to exercise bodies in a fun & creative way. music by DJ Misbehaviour. The event is at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park which is located at the corner of Plymouth and Main Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

PLG Arts performs a short version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Imagination Playground for kids of all ages. When a group of construction workers comes to Prospect Park, they stumble upon a battle between the King and Queen of the Fairies. Saturdays at 11 a.m.: July 12, 19
Sundays at 3 p.m.: 13, 20  At the Imagination Playground. Click here to see the Imagination Playground on our Interactive Map. (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

Resale boutique and maternity shop Still Hip Brooklyn is celebrating its 1st Birthday.  They are having free classes and projects for everyone to participate in.... All events are FREE!
10am- Musica Para Mi 11am-Music for Aardvarks with Karen 12-2pm-face painting 2pm-planting project with Raymond from Earthly Horizons Floral Shop 3:15pm-recycling art workshop with Private Picassos 4:30-5:30pm-face painting TO BE SCHEDULED Let's Dance Brooklyn class prizes
You will get a free entry into our raffle with any purchase on July 10-12! Gift Certificate for FREE Babywearing or cloth diapering workshop with Megan Davidson.  SidePony Christmas in July card set Melissa & Doug bug in a jug toy , Charlie & Sarah tee, Bummis Diapering Kit and a Set of 3 vintage children's books and more. There will be a 50% off rack, $1 bins, FREE goodie bags for first 100 people! Balloons and more! Please call to register for all events 718.398.0008 .  Still Hip www.stillhipbrooklyn.com
283 Grand Ave (btw. Lafayette and Greene)  Brooklyn, NY (Clinton Hill)  718-398-0008

The JellyNYC Pool PARTIES return to McCarren Pool in Williamsburg for a third summer of fun.  Play dodge ball, slip-n-slide, eat food, ice cream, bands, fans, families and kids of all ages and much more.  Free admission. Sunday, Jul 13 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m and every Sunday until August 24th.  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

This Sunday July 13th from 3-7 pm is Global Family Day at Central Park SummerStage. These performers will be on stage this year:  Little Maestros, the award-winning music program from Kidville, is New York’s #1 children’s music sensation, named “the best music class in NYC” by the Lila Guide of New York City. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. Baby Loves Salsa featuring Jose Conde is a dance and music celebration geared toward Spanish and English speakers alike. Cinderella Samba, performed by Puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, will be presented on the field at 2:15 pm before the start of the main stage performances.  

We didn't see fireworks this 4th of July, so we may go see this firework extravanganza on Monday, July 14th in Prospect Park. The New York Philharmonic will play classical music first, so bring a blanket to the Long Meadow Ballfields. The concert begins at 8 pm.It is FREE. http://www.prospectpark.org

Park Slope dad and his brother are doing an author discussion/signing of The Official Guide to Dysfunctional Parenting on Monday July 14, 2008, 7:00 PM at the Barnes & Noble – Park Slope
267 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215   
718-832-9066

Do you want to see a clown show this summer? Then head out to Red Hook's Bush Clinton Park this Monday, July 14th at 10:30 am. In case of rain, the event is held at the Red Hook Recreation Center.  http://www.cit...       foundation.org (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)  Bush Clinton Park is at Columbia Street and Bay Street  Brooklyn, NY 11231

If you don't catch Big Nazo at Central Park SummerStage this weekend, you can head to Sunset Park on Wednesday, July 16th at 10:30 am to see them. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. The Sunset Park Park and Rec Center is at 7th ave at 43rd Street.

ANDHOW! THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS STEVEN BY MARGIE STOKLEY with ORIGINAL MUSIC & LYRICS BY EMILY CURTIS AS PART OF ART/NY SUMMER YOUTH THEATER FESTIVAL at SOUTH OXFORD SPACE GREAT ROOM in FORT GREENE,  BROOKLYN. This play is for kids ages 2-9. $5 or Free. (see bottom for details) It is a coming-of-age story with Steven the squirrel on his quest to collect the biggest nut. Along the way he meets and befriends Paul the Dog, Pam the Cat, Three Mice, Melanie The Bus Driver, Pinky the Cheetah who thinks she a unicorn.  Features original music. For Reservations call: 718-398-3690.  Tickets are $5 for the following shows. Cash at the door only. Thursday, July 17 at 10:30am and 1pm and Thursday, July 24 at 10:30am and 1pm.  Free Show (7/19) in South Oxford Park at noon.  South Oxford Space - 138 S. Oxford St. (Hanson Pl/Atlantic Ave).
By subway: C to Lafayette, the G to Fulton or the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, R, Q, B, D
to Atlantic/Pacific. South Oxford Park is down the block.

If you want a good view of Olafur Eliasson's waterfalls. you can visit Pier 1 at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It sounds like a perfect outing: eating RICE's food at a picnic table under trees, walking through grass, wifi on your laptop, plopping your child into a clean sand play area and watching the watefalls.  This new park area is huge!: 26,000 square feet! It just opened last weekend and will stay open until Labor Day for seven days a week from 10:00am - 10:00pm.

If you want to see the waterfalls from a boat, there are dedicated boat journeys to view the Waterfalls.  Organized by the Public Art Fund in partnership with Circle Line Downtown, boats will leave from Pier 16 in Manhattan and will provide up-close views of the installations. The Circle Line will provide free and discounted trips daily for the public. The free Governors Island Ferry, which will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the length of the project, and the Staten Island Ferry will also provide views of the waterfalls at Governors Island and between Piers 4 and 5 in the future Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Pier 1 is located on the East River at the base of Old Fulton Street and Furman Street and is accessible by subway via the A/C at High Street, the 2/3 at Clark Street, and the 4/5 at Borough Hall.  A free shuttle bus service will run with stops at Borough Hall and High Street at Cadman Plaza West. Shuttle service will operate Fridays 5pm-10:30pm, and Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-10:30pm.

Saturday, July 12th, The French Institute- Alliance Fraincaise (FIAF) takes over 60th Street, between Lexington and Fifth Avenues, to host an annual salute to France's national celebration. Stop by for music, face painting, arts & crafts, a "Tour de France" stationary bike race, petanque, storytelling, dancing, French food (at affordable prices), and more.
****My friend took her two children to this last year and said that the food was not only fantastic but the arts and crafts were of a very high quality. 12n-6pm
French Institute - Alliance Francaise (FIAF)   22 East 60th Street   New York, NY 10022 (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Family Day is this Saturday, July 12th. There will be free giveaways, kids activities, all to combat childhood obesity. The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is an annual event celebrating Hip Hop Culture and the borough of Brooklyn. This year   Brooklyn Bodega and F.O.K.U.S. are establishing a new tradition, Brooklyn Hip Hop Family Day. From Noon to 4pm, babies, toddlers, young teens and families are encouraged to head down to Empire Fulton Ferry State Park for an afternoon of Hip-Hop and community building. On July 12th from 12pm -3pm families will able to participate   in team building challenges, creative projects, and cultural trivia. There will   also be visual arts, dance & movement demonstrations.  Metropolitan Hospital   will be offering diabetes and asthma screenings,  There will also be a KidsZone with various activities to exercise bodies in a fun & creative way. music by DJ Misbehaviour. The event is at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park which is located at the corner of Plymouth and Main Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

PLG Arts performs a short version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Imagination Playground for kids of all ages. When a group of construction workers comes to Prospect Park, they stumble upon a battle between the King and Queen of the Fairies. Saturdays at 11 a.m.: July 12, 19
Sundays at 3 p.m.: 13, 20  At the Imagination Playground. Click here to see the Imagination Playground on our Interactive Map. (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

Resale boutique and maternity shop Still Hip Brooklyn is celebrating its 1st Birthday.  They are having free classes and projects for everyone to participate in.... All events are FREE!
10am- Musica Para Mi 11am-Music for Aardvarks with Karen 12-2pm-face painting 2pm-planting project with Raymond from Earthly Horizons Floral Shop 3:15pm-recycling art workshop with Private Picassos 4:30-5:30pm-face painting TO BE SCHEDULED Let's Dance Brooklyn class prizes
You will get a free entry into our raffle with any purchase on July 10-12! Gift Certificate for FREE Babywearing or cloth diapering workshop with Megan Davidson.  SidePony Christmas in July card set Melissa & Doug bug in a jug toy , Charlie & Sarah tee, Bummis Diapering Kit and a Set of 3 vintage children's books and more. There will be a 50% off rack, $1 bins, FREE goodie bags for first 100 people! Balloons and more! Please call to register for all events 718.398.0008 .  Still Hip www.stillhipbrooklyn.com
283 Grand Ave (btw. Lafayette and Greene)  Brooklyn, NY (Clinton Hill)  718-398-0008

The JellyNYC Pool PARTIES return to McCarren Pool in Williamsburg for a third summer of fun.  Play dodge ball, slip-n-slide, eat food, ice cream, bands, fans, families and kids of all ages and much more.  Free admission. Sunday, Jul 13 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m and every Sunday until August 24th.  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

This Sunday July 13th from 3-7 pm is Global Family Day at Central Park SummerStage. These performers will be on stage this year:  Little Maestros, the award-winning music program from Kidville, is New York’s #1 children’s music sensation, named “the best music class in NYC” by the Lila Guide of New York City. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. Baby Loves Salsa featuring Jose Conde is a dance and music celebration geared toward Spanish and English speakers alike. Cinderella Samba, performed by Puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, will be presented on the field at 2:15 pm before the start of the main stage performances.  

We didn't see fireworks this 4th of July, so we may go see this firework extravanganza on Monday, July 14th in Prospect Park. The New York Philharmonic will play classical music first, so bring a blanket to the Long Meadow Ballfields. The concert begins at 8 pm.It is FREE. http://www.prospectpark.org

Park Slope dad and his brother are doing an author discussion/signing of The Official Guide to Dysfunctional Parenting on Monday July 14, 2008, 7:00 PM at the Barnes & Noble – Park Slope
267 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215   
718-832-9066

Do you want to see a clown show this summer? Then head out to Red Hook's Bush Clinton Park this Monday, July 14th at 10:30 am. In case of rain, the event is held at the Red Hook Recreation Center.  http://www.cit...       foundation.org (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)  Bush Clinton Park is at Columbia Street and Bay Street  Brooklyn, NY 11231

If you don't catch Big Nazo at Central Park SummerStage this weekend, you can head to Sunset Park on Wednesday, July 16th at 10:30 am to see them. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. The Sunset Park Park and Rec Center is at 7th ave at 43rd Street.

ANDHOW! THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS STEVEN BY MARGIE STOKLEY with ORIGINAL MUSIC & LYRICS BY EMILY CURTIS AS PART OF ART/NY SUMMER YOUTH THEATER FESTIVAL at SOUTH OXFORD SPACE GREAT ROOM in FORT GREENE,  BROOKLYN. This play is for kids ages 2-9. $5 or Free. (see bottom for details) It is a coming-of-age story with Steven the squirrel on his quest to collect the biggest nut. Along the way he meets and befriends Paul the Dog, Pam the Cat, Three Mice, Melanie The Bus Driver, Pinky the Cheetah who thinks she a unicorn.  Features original music. For Reservations call: 718-398-3690.  Tickets are $5 for the following shows. Cash at the door only. Thursday, July 17 at 10:30am and 1pm and Thursday, July 24 at 10:30am and 1pm.  Free Show (7/19) in South Oxford Park at noon.  South Oxford Space - 138 S. Oxford St. (Hanson Pl/Atlantic Ave).
By subway: C to Lafayette, the G to Fulton or the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, R, Q, B, D
to Atlantic/Pacific. South Oxford Park is down the block.

Readers Comments and Questions

There have been so many great readers' comments and advice that I wanted to post them here so you wouldn't miss them. Also, some readers have questions that maybe some of you can help out with....

First, the questions:

• Does anyone know a good OB in Brooklyn (Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, or around there)? Someone good with high-risk, but also open to drug-free birth?
• does anyone know any high risk obgyns? i had preterm labor with my first at 34 weeks so i am looking at someone who specializes in preterm. thanks.
  
• Hi,  does anyone know of secular jewish day cares in the area?

**If you have answers or suggestions for them, please click on "Comments" at the bottom of this post.

Comments about OB/GYNS:

• I had Dr. Dinnall as my OB and the wait times to see her were sometimes as long as 2 hours. I would not recommend seeing her because of this. Also, she is no longer at Roosevelt.
• Dr. Georges Sylvestre and Dr. Amos Grunebaum
  Weill Cornell Obstretics and Gynecology
  I have had a very good experience with Dr. Sylvestre. In my first pregnancy he was very attentive and always answer my frequent calls and e-mails. It is true that he is not invasive type but that was perfect for me, a super-worried mom to be. For the delivery, he was not "on duty" but he will come and see me between his appointments, give instruction to the nurses and as soon as he finished he joined me and stayed with me until the baby was delivered, around 9:00 pm. My delivery was not an easy one because the baby was facing backwards. Instead of rushing me to a c-section, he instructed me to make some excersises so the baby could rotate. All the time, he was very patient, relaxed, I got only one stich after deliver an 8.5 pound baby with 90% degree rotation, which means he was looking to my tights and the the shoulders came out vertical, not horizontally (he had assured me that he will do his best for a non-episiotomy delivery) For my second pregnancy I was also with him (I kept him as Gyn after the pregnancy), the pregnancy was not successful but he was very supportive and call me from out of town when he got my message.
• PLEASE DO NOT GO TO DR.SYLVESTRE OF WEIL CORNELL!!!
  I was about 7 months pregnant and asked him to tell me the approximate weight of my baby and he brushed it off and said this was not accurate(did not do it).
  At abt 32 wks, I got bizzare headaches...I went into the hospital and they told me that I had to have an emerg, c b/c baby was too small..My baby weighed only 2 lbs!!Dr.Sylvestre was way 2 laid back and said ok to everything.I used to jog 9 miles a day..I obviously cut it down a lot and he joked and said it was ok to do 9 miles..He did not even encourage me to take prenatal pills ! On the other hand, Dr. Gruenbaum is excellent and thank God he delivered my baby!

And those leg cramps that are so annoying and painful, readers had some great thoughts. (By the way, it seems I have conquered them with drinking lots of water. Yes, the tradeoff is going to the bathroom more than before, but if you start drinking around 6 pm until 8 pm it isn't as bad....) The reader below seems to have that hydrating helped her too.

• I know how awful leg cramps can be.  Until I lost 90 pounds, I used to get painful cramps in my legs almost every night.  There are many helpful comments on  http://www.nolegcramps.com/  that explain why leg cramps can occur and solutions for getting rid of them.  When I started to eat better and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, my leg cramps disappeared.  One of the reasons you can leg cramps is from dehydration - so always drink plenty of fresh water everyday!
• I had horrible leg cramps with my first pregnancy--drank lots of water, etc.  Had completely forgotten about them when I was pregnant a second time.  Then one night I had the awful cramping again, the kind that make you jolt up in bed in pain.  Asked my midwife and all she said was--I kid you not--"Don't point your toes."  I swear to god... I never pointed my toes and I never had another leg cramp.

And cloth diapering instructor Megan, corrected a post:

• Lots of good advice here but I have to object to her cloth diaper cleaning suggestions. No one advocates cleaning cloth diapers with bleach - it is totally unnecessary and can be harmful for a baby. Unless there is some specific concern (like mold formed on a forgotten diaper, thrush, needing to be stripped, etc) then you can simply wash your diapers on warm with a small amount of a mild soap and dry either on a line/rack or in a machine.

Andrew has been to Brooklyn Bridge Park and highly recommended it:

• The waterfalls are another example of the life and vitality of the city. We went to Brooklyn Bridge park last weekend. It's a great weekend outing. Thanks for sharing.

Lastly, Amanda, too, was also worried about vinyl shower curtains and has found some alternatives to help the rest of us:

• Thank you so much for posting this! This is a topic that is hugely underreported.
  I had such a tough time trying to find a remotely attractive alternative to our "vinyl wonder". I ended up buying a cotton curtain from Garnet Hill and a polyester liner from Pottery Barn. I am also told that IKEA makes a chlorine-free option out of PEVA plastic but I don't know much about it.

Yay for only 1 month to go!! And good info to know... Were the leg cramps like Restless Leg Syndrome? I had that really bad too. I'm glad the water worked... although, were you up running to the bathroom all night instead of up with leg pain??

The Moxie Spot

Yesterday, Birch and I spent the day at The Moxie Spot. It isn't new anymore, it opened this fall, but I have waited to write about it until I had tried it out a few times. I have been there three times and can offer my honest opinion.

Our family has gone only on Saturday and Sunday mornings and all three times it has been very quiet. You enter through the front door which is Wonka-like with three sized openings: one of adults, one for children and one for tiny tiny chickens or teacup dogs.  (SEE PHOTO) The kids get a complete kick out of it. Upon entering, you encounter a series of handles, knobs, cranks and slots- your first clue that this was a former hardware store. The kids love all the hardware and pipes that they can twist and feel.  The rest of the decor is equally unusual: maps, globes, trunks, exotic prints, animal images and flat screens with BBC's "Blue Planet" and old Bugs Bunny cartoons playing. Everything about this place harkens back to times where exploration was full of wonder and travel was an adventure, not an annoyance. It is equally fun for adults and children to examine the pictures and foreign objects. 

You order your food downstairs at a cafeteria-type area that I'm not crazy about. It is in discordance with the considered downstairs decor.  However, the breakfast fare is fine: I have ordered both oatmeal, pancakes and eggs and have been satisfied with it all.  They give you a number and you walk upstairs to even more seating. Upstairs is the best.

It is warm with yellow painted walls, wooden floors and colorful lamps suspended from the ceiling. There is a separate activity room in the back that has a nice-sized table with paper, crayons and markers.  There are dollhouses, trunks full of paper bricks and tubs of sea animals, trucks and legos. It is all neatly kept and organized. Upstairs the adults can eat and keep an eye on their children playing. It makes for one of the most restful eating experiences I have had with children and other families. Part of it is due to the fact that the environment is calm and the children don't seem to grab each other's toys since there are so many available. Most of it is due to the helpers who are stationed in the activity room. They play with your child, help them turn on the computers and find appropriate material for them, locate books of interest for your child and just be a sitter for a bit. Yesterday the owner, Nate, spent a lot of time playing with me and Birch. It was nice to have a foil to play with and he was genuinely interested in helping the kids find the right toys to furnish their imagination.

While I was there a family of four came in: the parents read their enormous books while their kids played foozball, another group of six let their kids play with Nate and enjoyed an adult conversation for over 45 minutes! (Glorious!) Birch and I hung out there for a few hours. I left a big tip as they don't charge for your play time and honestly, it is completely worth it.

It is all well done. I'm just not sure why the Moxie Spot isn't more occupied....it has  a right to be. The Moxie Spot has storytimes three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Check our Google calendar for details and times. They also offer Kids Yoga, Downtown Babies (music), Kids Music Underground with John Carlin, and Summer Camp that starts this week. They also rent out for private parties (for kids and adults!)

The Moxie Spot: 81-83 Atlantic Ave  at Hicks Street   Brooklyn, NY 11201   Phone: (718) 923-9710    2, 3; 4, 5; M; R at Borough Hall

Hours:Daily 8am-9:30pm                        

Additions to A Child Grows Events

Mamalú is offering 1 Week of FREE Trial Classes for their Fall Class Sessions. Early registration for Fall will be available with a 10% discount during TRIAL WEEK. Email scheyla@mamalunyc.com to RSVP for the following classes. For more details about the classes check out their website here.

MONDAY JULY 7- SUSU & TUTUS AND TEA
10-11:45am  (2-3.5 years old)
This class combines creative movement, poetry, dance, original songs, and stories built around the toddler character SUSU. 

CULTURE HOUSE KIDS 12-1pm  (2-3.5 years old)
This class will engage the senses including activities such as art showcase, map quest, cultural show and tell, foreign language intro, storytelling, puppet shows and poetry.

TUESDAY JULY 8 - CUPCAKES KIDS
10:30-11:15am  (2–3 years old)
11:30am-12:30pm  (3–6 years old)
Learn to measure, mix, whip, knead and stir! Kids embrace mouth-watering and healthy recipes as they assemble their math, science, reading and social skills.  Each class ends with a yummy treat and recipes to enjoy at home.

KARMA KIDS YOGA
4 to 5pm  (3–5 years old)
Kids sing, draw and play yoga in this energy releasing class.

WEDNESDAY JULY 9
KARMA KIDS YOGA
10– 10:45am Parent & Child (strong walkers - 3 yrs)
Partner with your toddler in simple animated poses, games, art, music and breathing exercises that help to strengthen coordination and build body awareness.

KARMA KIDS YOGA
11am – 12pm Mom & Baby (6 weeks–walkers)
Experience flowing asanas, challenging postures, and calming restorative time in a playful environment for babies.

SONG AND BEAT
3- 3:45pm  (6 month to 2 years)
4– 4:45 pm  (3 month to 5 years)
Children "travel" around the world exploring
unique cultures through their rhythms, dance and language.

THURSDAY JULY 10
SUSU & TUTUS AND TEA
3:30 – 4:30pm   (3 to 5 years)
See info at top.

CAPOEIRA
5pm short performance
5:20 pm  (2 to 3 years)
5:40 pm  (4 to 6 years)
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that fuses dance, music, self-defense and acrobatics.

FRIDAY JULY 11
SIGN LANGUAGE
1:30pm – 2pm (6 to 18 month)
2 – 2:30pm (2 to 4 years)

WORLD DANCE
5 – 6pm (4 -7 years old)
Each session is dedicated to a different dance technique and its specific rhythm.

Tooth Brushing Technique That Worked!

Thank you to Sharon for her advice. She wrote in on the "comments" section of my post about tooth brushing techniques.  Her suggestion on how to get your child to brush her teeth was incredibly helpful. We have tried her "hide and seek" game for 4 nights now and it has been successful every night so far!

Here was her suggestion:

My daughter (3 yrs old) is really into Little Mermaid, so we work on 'brushing out' all the characters from her teeth. Flounder likes to hide behind her molars, Ariel swims around her front teeth, Sebastian hangs out on her tongue, etc. It even worked when we took her to the dentist.

We applied her game to Birch's fanaticism about his Thomas trains. He tells me "Thomas" is on the bottom right side of his mouth and I clean him, and then "Edward" needs a good brush on his upper right and so forth. "Thomas" is usually also hanging out on his front teeth and needs a good wash so he can be ready to run for his passengers tomorrow morning. By the way, Birch is 2 years old.

Sharon, thank you so so much.

A Child Grows Event Picks

The Borough Park Library has a fun story/drama hour. You can act out your favorite stories on Thursdays, Jul 3 & 17, 1:30 PM. The Borough Park Library is at 1265 43rd Street, 718.437.4085

La Tourette Park hosts an old-fashioned community celebration on the 4th of July. They will host activities such as pinwheel making, a children's pinwheel parade, Victorian paper fireworks, and an ice cream churning demonstration and tasting. Bring a pie to enter in the pie-baking contest!  718.351.1611  http://www.nycgovparks.org The celebration is from 11am-5pm.  La Tourette Park  441 Clarke Avenue Staten Island, NY 10306
(this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

If you want to see the Macy's fireworks- here is the scoop:
Macy's annual 4th of July extravaganza - the nation's largest - is a big crowd pleaser, and that, of course, means crowds! In addition to the Seaport - you can enter the FDR Drive at 23rd, 38th, and 42nd Streets (handicapped access is at 38th) - and arrive early to ensure your place. The lower FDR drive is accessible at Manhattan Civic Center (Brooklyn Bridge/Pearl Street exit ramp). In Queens, check the view along the river from Long Island City. On the Brooklyn side of the East River, Greenpoint is the place to be. Take the E or F train to Queens Plaza and transfer to the G train, getting off at Greenpoint Avenue. Walk east to West Street, turn right at the dead end, and walk three blocks to India Street. Left to the pier. Another option is the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights. Or watch the southern East River show from Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park. Bring a radio tuned to 1010 WINS for musical accompaniment  212.494.4495  http://www.macys.com The FDR open to pedestrians 7pm; Fireboat Water Show 7:15pm; Fireworks @9:25pm (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

However, if the idea of elbowing your way onto the FDR Drive makes you shudder, consider a trip to the southern end of Roosevelt, from whence you can watch the works just as well. Entertainment is included, too - face painting, balloon twisting, juggling, and music. Advance ticketing is strongly recommended and can be purchased online in advance or picked up in person (cash only, if available) at the gate. http://www.rioc.com  Gates open 5pm; Fireworks 9pm The cost is $20  Roosevelt Island  New York, NY 10044 (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

PLG Arts performs a short version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Imagination Playground for kids of all ages. When a group of construction workers comes to Prospect Park, they stumble upon a battle between the King and Queen of the Fairies. Saturdays at 11 a.m.: July 5, 12, 19
Sundays at 3 p.m.: July 6, 13, 20  At the Imagination Playground. Click here to see the Imagination Playground on our Interactive Map. (this listing info is from www.parentsconnect.com- thanks!)

Saturday, July 5, 1 p.m. is Freedom Celebration.
Slavery ended in New York on July 4, 1827, and for years July 5 was a day to celebrate emancipation with parades and fancy dinners. This year, head over to Lefferts and learn about the history of this event with an illustrated talk by historian Dr. Sherrill D. Wilson and drum music by Heritage O.P. End the afternoon by making musical instruments and decorating your clothing for a noisy and proud march recalling the days of the first generations of free African- Americans in New York.  Lefferts Historic House.

The JellyNYC Pool PARTIES return to McCarren Pool in Williamsburg for a third summer of fun.  Play dodge ball, slip-n-slide, eat food, ice cream, bands, fans, families and kids of all ages and much more.  Free admission. Sunday, Jul 6 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m and every Sunday until August 24th.  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Fun bluegrass band Astrograss concert is playing at Prospect Park at the Old Stone House on Tuesday, July 8th from 6pm-7:30pm 
http://www.theoldstonehouse.org 5th Avenue and 4th Street JJ Byrne Park
Brooklyn, NY 11215

I have seen the Give and Take Jugglers in the park before and they are pretty hilarious.  They will be at the Van Cortland Park on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Give & Take Jugglers are a family-oriented vaudeville act that will be at the  Playground for All Childrern at Bruckner Blvd. Middletown Rd.

Open now until October 5th you have a chance to play miniature golf on Governors Island. Each hole has been designed by an artist. It is a nine-hole mini golf course that is free and open to the public. Each hole has been conceived, constructed and installed by a different artist or group of artists, all variations on the theme "City of Dreams." www.figmentnyc.org/minigolf

Have you or your family ever wanted to try kayaking? This weekend is your chance- and you don't even have to leave New York.  On Saturday,July 5th and Sunday, June 6th, Families can join the Downtown Boathouse for 20-minute instructional paddles, and explore the Hudson River by kayak. Participants should wear bathing suits or shorts and a t-shirt, and must know how to swim. Meet at the 71st Street Soccer Field, Riverside Park South. First come, first served and it runs from 10am-5pm. http://www.riversideparkfund.org (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Every Sunday until July 20th is Family Fun Day at Belmont Park from 12--4pm. You can find pony rides, petting zoos, face painting, clowns, characters, bounce houses, family shows, and more....http://www.nyra.com.  516.488.6000, ex 3306.  Adults $2; Children (under 12) free; $1 charitable donation for Pony Rides.  Belmont Park  2150 Hempstead Turnpike  Elmont, NY 11003  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

 

There are some awesome exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History. There is a Lizard and Snakes exhibit (with 60 live animals),  the "Horses" exhibit which got a fabulous writeup in the New York Times and lastly the Imax film Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure - In this thrilling large-format film, travel back 82 million years to a time when strange creatures filled the seas that once covered what is now the middle of North America.
P.S. ------The Horse exhibit is definitely an exhibit for older kids as it is fairly static.

This sounds like a must-do event to me. On Wednesday, July 9th is Brooklyn's annual Festa del Giglio stretches over a week and a half and features a parade with a 65-foot tall structure hoisted above the streets of Williamsburg, carnival rides, live music, and Italian cuisine. North 8th and Havemeyer Streets. 718.384.0223 http://www.olmcfeast.com Ongoing Daily 7/9/08 - 7/20/08; check with location for exceptions. Free; bring cash for rides and food.  275 N 8th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11211  (This listing is from www.gocitykids.com- thanks!)

Called the “social event of the season for the ‘under eight’ crowd,” over 200 people attended the Carroll Park Concert Series' first show. And so the series continues next week. Lloyd Miller (of the Deedle Dee