With Central Park front and center in NYC, it’s no wonder that the Playgrounds of Riverside Park are sometimes neglected. Flee the masses over in Central Park and venture on over to the water, where you can discover (or re-discover) Riverside Park and it’s dynamite playgrounds.

Spanning from the Upper West Side through Central West Harlem, from 67th to 148th Street, Riverside Park offers fifteen different playgrounds for kids of all ages. Some have animal themes such as Elephant, Hippo, Dinosaur, and more. Be sure to visit the River Run Playground, where kids can play with a water-play replica of the Hudson River and the Little Engine Playground where they can actually play in a little engine. So venture out of your neighborhood, give your kids a little variety, and check them out sometime. You will not be sorry!

1) Little Engine Playground – 67th Street & Riverside Boulevard – Your kids can play in a playground “choo choo”!
2) Classic Playground – 75th Street near the river (public restroom)
3) Neufeld (Elephant) Playground – 76th Street & Riverside Drive (public restroom)
4) River Run Playground – 82nd Street near Riverside Drive (public restroom)
5) Hippo Playground – 91st Street near Riverside Drive (public restroom)
6) Dinosaur Playground – 97th Street & Riverside Drive (public restroom)
7) 105th Street Tot Lot – 105th Street & Riverside Drive (smaller playground)
110th Street Tot Lot – 110th Street & Riverside Drive (smaller playground)
9) 112th Street Tot Lot – 112th Street & Riverside Drive (smaller playground)
10) 117th Street Playground – 117th Street & Riverside Drive
11) Sakura Playground – 122nd Street & Riverside Drive
12) Claremont Dolphin Playground – 124th Street behind Grant’s Tomb (public restroom)
13) Riverbank (Camel) Playground – 143rd Street & Riverside Drive (public restroom)
14) Palisades Playground – 148th Street & Riverside Drive (small playground)
15) Ten Mile River (Beaver) Playground – 148th Street, west of Riverside Drive (public restroom)

Britax, mostly known as the leading manufacturer of car seats, will release a line of strollers this summer that will KNOCK YOUR SOX OFF. It will also give the competition a run for their money, so watch out Phil & Ted’s, Uppa Vista, and others – the B-READY is coming to town!

The B-READY can be converted from a single to a two-child or twin stroller by using any combination of seats, bassinets and infant car seats in 14 possible configurations!!! Seats can point forward or backward, recline in multiple positions, and fold into the stroller without removing them (it can be folded with one hand – for real). Be ready (couldn’t resist) for other souped-up features as well. It comes in four colors and each will have a matching car seat (but you can use any car seat on the stroller). And… are you ready for it???? It’s $499.99. Available in July. I can hardly wait.

We recently took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for a long weekend. Charleston is mostly known as a romantic city for adults, but why not bring the kids along for some fun too? It turns out Charleston is a great city for a family getaway.

Charleston is small, manageable and easily walkable. The city’s rich history is evident at every turn, and there are endless quaint cobblestone roads and hidden places to explore. The historic homes in the heart of the city are breathtaking. You can gaze at block after block of these beautiful homes such as the Heyward Washington House built in 1772 and take yourself back in time, or walk along Rainbow Row, famous for its multicolor row houses (see above photo). The group (or private) carriage tours are fun for families and great for kids tired of walking. Charleston recently gave its waterfront park a face lift, perfect for a picnic or walk by the water. There is a fantastic public recreation center on East Bay Road (down by the water), complete with a free open playspace, air hockey, games, bathroom with changing tables and outdoor playground.

Some other great family highlights are:
The South Carolina Aquarium – This modern aquarium is not-to-be-missed with kids. See daily shows and amazing exhibits.
The Children’s Museum – Lots of hands on activities that your kids will love. See daily events calendar.
The Beaches: Both within a half hour drive of Charleston these two beaches are great for a day trip – Folly Beach (super casual layed back beach town) & Sullivan’s Island (gorgeous wide perfect sand beach).
The Plantations – Boon Hall Plantation is the most popular plantation and very accessible (5 minutes from downtown Charleston). You and your kids get to see what life was like on a real South Carolina plantation.
Kid Friendly Restaurants – There are many kid friendly restaurants in Charleston but many are very touristy so be careful. I recommend Magnolias and High Cotton for some local cuisine and Baked for some yummy deserts (yes, this is a Brooklyn import but it’s SO good!). Gullah Cuisine is a good choice if your kids are a bit more adventurous and want real lowcountry cuisine.

Go ahead, rejoice. Your mother’s day homework has been done for you. Check out our fun and quirky but thoughtful mother’s day gift collection yo mama will love. Ranging from jewlery, to pamperpering, to tech toys for geek mom, you’ll find it right here. You can thank us later.

Jewelry:

Ma Style – This company is owned by one of my besties so I admit I am a bit biased BUT her necklaces are FUN, playful and just so darn cool.

Initial necklaces – A fun spin on tradition initial necklaces. Ma will love the graffiti style. $52-$198

Make a statement necklaces – I love these necklaces with awesome tag lines like “Hot Mama”, “Yummy Mummy”, and “Rock Star Mama”. Such a fun way to give Mama the praise she deserves. $64-$408

Suryasoma Custom Jewelry – Here I go plugging another friend of mine, but how can I not? It’s so cute! Have Jennifer Lee Photography take a photo of your kids (or use a photo you already have) and then have it made into a work of art for mom. A gift she will surely treasure forever. The collection is available in white, pink or yellow gold. $400-$4350

Pendant:

Each piece, is crafted from 18-carat warm yellow gold, accented with diamonds and finished with your image behind hand cut rock crystal.

Ring:

Let me just say that I am DYING to get one of these rings (hubby, I hope you’re listening).
This wearable work of art will create a stir wherever you go and quickly become your most treasured jewelry.

Pampering:

Soho House Massage – Did you know that you do not have to be a member of the uber-chic Soho House in order to use the spa? Give mom the gift of a luxurious Soho House massage – she will thank you all year long. $125

Haven Wraps – Surprise mom with a special body wrap at Haven Spa in Soho where mom will be treated like a queen. At Haven, mom will enjoy relaxing in a low-key atmosphere while still feeling pampered.

The Hot Chocolate – (45 Minutes) – $110
This cult classic wrap ideal for dry flaky skin begins with a cocoon of warm milk mask, followed by a yummy soapy cocoa/salt scrub, and for the mouthwatering finale…a glaze of shimmery chocolate scented hydrating cream.

The Land of Milk and Honey – (45 Minutes) – $100
(Almond scrub, that is) This luxurious and super hydrating scrub therapy will simultaneously rub out all traces of tired, old skin and nourish the beautiful new skin waiting underneath it all.

Tech:

Apple iPad – Treat mom to the new hot mom toy – the iPad! Mom will be able to go mobile without her laptop and order a bevy of awesome apps and read her mags and books all while on-the-go. Prices start at $499.

Insignia Wireless Blu-ray DVD Player – Mom will love this awesome gadget that will allow her to stream NetFlix live to her TV on demand (for free as long as she has a monthly membership – starting at $8.99) AND watch blu-ray DVDs. Moms will find a whole new appreciation for nights in. $180

Polaroid 300 Instant Camera – This cute fit-in-your-pocket new Polaroid camera gives you credit card sized pics at the click of a button and only costs $89!!! Now that’s a great mom gadget!

WIN a FREE special event at New York Kids Club! The New York Kids Club, now in its ninth season, is a children’s enrichment center renowned for creative and innovative kids classes, day camps and as a place for creative kids birthday party celebrations. Luckily, there are six locations throughout the city!

In order to enter this contest, please post a comment at the bottom of this blog on which event you would like to win and the location you prefer. The winners will be chosen May 7th. Good luck!

Special Event options:

FRIDAY FUN FOR EVERYONE is an exciting opportunity for families to come together for a fun, social and enriching experience. Held every other Friday from 3:30-5:30pm, Friday Fun for Everyone events feature beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres for adults, and supervised Open Play, special entertainment, and a pizza dinner for children.

PJ PARTY is held every other Friday 6:00-8:00pm, pajama parties are a one-of-a-kind thematic “after hours” celebration for children 2.5 – 6 years and 7 – 12 years featuring gym exploration, art, story, cooking, games, relays, and more. All parties culminate in a disco dance party, and dinner is provided.

One FREE special event will be given away at each location. Here are the six New York Kids Club Locations:

169 Amsterdam Ave
601 Amsterdam Ave
219 E. 67th St.
38 E. 22nd St.
393 South End Ave
182 Henry St.

New York Kids Club
(347-706-4700)
www.nykidsclub.com