Spring emerging: The perfect time to plan for summer planning

Could it already be spring? I feel like we just celebrated Thanksgiving. The weeks are flying by and all in all this winter has largely lived up to the idea of climate change. I can easily recall harsh New York City winters in years gone by with large amounts of snowfall and frigid temperatures for days on end. Certainly not the case these days. I don’t really miss it personally, but I know a lot of kids do. It’s not easy to find a good snowball fight these days. It disappears faster than they can roll it. Again, I personally am not complaining.

I recently heard a rather bright and caring person ask why access to quality education should be limited by zip code? I thought that was a very thought-provoking question. The debate about Charter Schools will go on, but our thinking right now is that as publishers of parent guides, it’s important that we let our readers know what options are out there for their children. As a result, we have in this issue a special advertising section showing some of the many Charter School options in the communities. This is the time of year when applications are due and when the lotteries take place. If you are interested, please be sure to contact the schools and navigate through the simple application process.

We also have a special advertising section showing many of the wonderful programs your children can sign on for this summer. Some are more traditional camps and others are various kinds of specialized programs. The options are growing larger it seems with something for everyone. You can do a whole summer, or sessions or even a week here and a week there. As a person who went to traditional summer camp I’m finding the possibilities these days quite fascinating.

The month of March is a good time to start planning not only camp for the kids but also summer plans for the family. Do your research now to get the best deals for family vacations. Check out our website at NYParenting.com to find articles about family travel that will post from time to time through the month of March. There’s an interesting piece about travel to Raleigh and also a piece about other family destinations just outside of NYC by our resident writer Shneika L. Johnson.

Not everything gets into the magazine. More can be found online including our Full Calendar for the metro area. We do a lot of ticket give-a-ways too, so sign on for our newsletters for your chance to win. Soon there will other exciting offers too so don’t delay. Good luck!

Thanks for reading. Have a great month.

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Child's Play NY - Birthday Parties

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrate what your birthday kid loves most with a customized party from the award-winning theater company, Child’s Play NY. Currently offering both virtual and small, outdoor in-person customized parties. </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s what makes Child's Play NY parties unique:</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Theater teachers bring improvisation and play to a whole new level as they make your child the star of the day.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They throw a spotlight on creative games, centering peer connection and imagination</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lauded drama curriculum is tailored for birthday fun!  Kids learn new skills, express themselves and have a blast making up stories together.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">  </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can imagine it, it can be played!  Choose from a menu of themes or create your own, like “Spies vs Police”, “Mad Hatter Tea Party” or “Harry Potter Adventures.” </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parties can be done safely outside in-person or remotely. </span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child's Play NY is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2009, committed to offering a diverse array of theater arts classes for children. They believe studying the art of acting encourages kids to be even more creative, collaborative and compassionate human beings. Since its inception, Child's Play NY has touched the lives of hundreds of students, worked inside dozens of schools and is consistently ranked as among the top theater arts programs.  It is the 2019 winner of Brooklyn Family’s Choice award for Best Performing Arts Class.</span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-53b45def-7fff-9739-c308-7e15694135e5"></span></p>

Saf-T-Swim

<p>For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Blue Balloon Parties

<p><strong>Our commitment to creating unforgettable moments has made us a trusted name in affordable kids entertainment throughout the New York Tri-State Area including Upper New Jersey, Nassau Counties on Long Island, Westchester and Lower Connecticut.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Our extensive collection of high quality bounce houses are a gateway to excitement, featuring Indoor Bounce Houses, toddler towns, Bounce & Slide Combos, Waterslides, Dry Slides, Obstacle courses, Sports & Inflatable Games! Also, themed cartoon and princess/superhero bounce and slide combo houses to match the theme of any kids’ party!</p> <p>But the fun doesn't stop there! Our kids entertainment packages have 2 Clown Entertainers, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Magic Show with Live Rabbit, Singing & Dancing, Games, Candy and Tattoo Prizes, Bubble Show, Crowning Ceremony, and freshly made Cotton Candy.</p> <p>Picture freshly popped popcorn and cotton candy, kids playing ring toss carnival games and the thrill of capturing silly moments in our variety of photo booths to choose from – we've got all the fun all covered!</p> <p>Blue Balloon Entertainment and Rentals is available for a vast array of clients. From small private kids' parties, school carnival parties, corporate events, block party rentals, holiday entertainment services, proms - photobooths and other rentals are available for any and all occasions. The list is endless!</p> <p>We're not just a professional entertainment company; we're experienced party experts dedicated to ensuring every detail is perfect. Our team of professional party experts is committed to providing worry-free celebrations of all occasions.</p> <p>Our commitment to creating unforgettable moments extends to numerous corporations, private and public schools, and block party associations; where we seamlessly blend fun and safety, leaving lasting impressions on students and communities alike.</p> <p>At Blue Balloon Parties, we don't just create events; we craft experiences that will be treasured for years to come. Join the ranks of our delighted customers and let us transform your celebration into a magical journey of laughter and delight. Call (718)766-8058 to book your next party with us, and let the fun begin!</p>