Tag: Kids

2021 Downtown Holiday Lights and Events

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date November 23, 2021

Photo: J. Kratochvil.

Downtown NYC is filling up with the holiday spirit! We’ve included here a roundup of upcoming holiday lighting ceremonies and fun festivities.

*South Street Seaport’s Chanukah Family Fun Day, Nov. 28, 3pm-5pm

Photo: J. Kratochvil.

Festivities begin with the Grand Ice Carving of Menorah Show – 3:00pm – 3:30pm

Indoor and Outdoor Activities and Entertainment – 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Families can enjoy a variety of winter themed and Chanukah activities and projects including balloons, coloring books, and donut decorating. RSVP for Chanukah crafts here.
Grand Menorah Lighting – 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Celebrate the start of Chanukah with your loved ones as neighborhood figureheads light the first candle at sundown.

Brookfield Place Luminaries, Nov. 29-Jan. 2

This installation and holiday tradition features a canopy of colorful lights emanating from hundreds of suspended lanterns. Luminaries was created by the LAB at Rockwell Group for Brookfield Place, inspired by the season’s traditions of sharing, giving, and community.

Touchless wishing stations located on the ground allow visitors to send a motion-activated ‘wish’ into the canopy of lanterns above, prompting a magical display of lights and colors. For each wish made and each interaction with Luminaries, Brookfield Place will donate $1 up to $25,000 to City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization.

This year, Luminaries debuts Maestro, a new interactive experience that will enable guests to conduct their own symphony. Maestro leverages skeletal tracking technology which allows you to show off your creativity as your own unique light show is displayed in unison with holiday music. The kiosk is an organic form, inspired by an abstraction of global instruments from harps to guitars, and is manufactured by Timbur and made of CNC-milled plywood.

NYSE Tree Lighting, Dec. 1, 2pm-6pm

The NYSE’s Tree Lighting prepares for its 98th holiday season. Head over to Experience Plaza, on the corner of Wall and Broad Streets. The event will feature performances by the Harlem Globetrotters, The Salvation Army Band, Senri Oe, the Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Choir and the USMC Toys for Tots Kettle Bell Ringers; holiday-ready companies like Build-a-Bear, Barkbox and Coca-Cola will also be getting in on the festivities-Santa may also be stopping by! Refreshments will be served. The event will livestream beginning 4:15pm. nyse.com

The Seaport Christmas Tree Lighting Block Party, Dec. 2, 5pm-8pm

Ring in the holidays with live music, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, apple cider, and kids crafts the block party will have indoor and outdoor activities open to the public. Schedule breakdown:
Holiday crafts and live music – The Corner, 25 Fulton St. (RSVP here)
Kids’ coloring activities – McNally Jackson Books, 4 Fulton St.
Hot chocolate at Cobble & Co. and hot apple cider from Fulton Stall Market – Cobble & Co., 19 Fulton and St. Fulton Stall Market, Corner of Fulton St. and Water St.
Mulled wine and spiked hot chocolate – Garden Bar, 19 Fulton St.
Hester Street Pop-Up Marketing – 205 Front St. (5:00pm – 9:00pm)
Sip & shop at SJP – SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, 93 South St.
Christmas tree cookies – Funny Face Bakery, 6 Fulton St.
Upcoming Exhibit Previews – The South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St.
Live music performances – (5:30pm – 8:00pm)
Photobooth with Santa – 8 Fulton St.
Christmas Tree Lighting – 6:45pm
Watch the Howard Hughes Corporation and special music guests light the locally sourced tree and enjoy the Christmas magic.
The Ugly Sweater Party – 8:00pm – 12:00am
Unwind and celebrate the start of the holiday season with specialty cocktails and music from special guest DJ Mel Debarge at Pearl Alley. RSVP free for the Ugly Sweater Party here.

Holiday Lights at Battery Park, Dec. 2, 6pm

Celebrate the fifth night of Chanukah and see the annual tree lighting at Battery Park’s Holiday Lights event! Special appearances by Sing Harlem Choir, PS/IS 276 Advanced Chorus, and you-know-who! Free RSVP here.

Washington Square Park Tree Lighting, Dec. 8, 6pm

Washington Square Park Christmas Treet — Washington Square Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

NYC’s iconic park in the heart of Greenwich Village prepares for the holiday season. There will also be a Meta/Facebook live event, streaming The Rob Susman Brass Quarter along with singalong holiday songs. Santa may make an appearance. Also, there will be Christmas Eve caroling Dec. 24, at 5pm. washingtonnyc.org

Tags battery park, Chanukah, Christmas, Downtown, holiday lights, Holidays, Kids, menorah, NYSE, south street seaport, Ugly Sweater, washington square park

Featured Lifestyle Living NYC

Silverstein Properties Team Up for Back-Together-School Shopping

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date August 23, 2021

It’s that time of year again, Shools In

The National Retail Federation estimates that families will spend an average of $849 on back-to-school items, almost $60 more than last year when people rushed to set up classrooms at home. College students and their families are expected to spend an average of $1,200.

Here’s a program that will help local New York parents with their back-to-school needs.

As shopIN.nyc’s local online shopping movement grows, so does the number of New York organizations eager to support the movement. Real estate firm Silverstein Properties has partnered with shopIN.nyc to launch a communications initiative to residents of its buildings across the city to spread the word about shopIN.nyc’s #BackTogether School Shopping program.

About shopIN.nyc

An online “everything” store supplied by dozens of New York City businesses offering same-day delivery in one bag, shopIN.nyc aids in strengthening neighborhoods by keeping money in the community advances sustainability in NYC and provides non-exploitative options for both stores and delivery professionals. Together, New Yorkers are showing the world our main streets (and web browsers) need not be filled with the same few big retailers.

#BackTogether School Shopping enables New Yorkers to buy the supplies their kids need all in one place, sourced from local stores. Shoppers can either find items on shopIN.nyc, load the cart and checkout, or use the free concierge service built with parents in mind. Just fill out a short form and upload your school list, pick a delivery date, and the concierge will find your items from local stores at better prices than Amazon and deliver them in one package. Shoppers can even donate a backpack to an NYC kid in need and pick a school of their choice to support through the automatic school donations program.

Silverstein Properties joins organizations including Nextdoor, the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, and NYC Next in supporting shopIN.nyc’s efforts to empower our communities to change the future of NYC for all. One of New York’s leading real estate development, investment and management firms, Silverstein’s residential properties include 30 Park Place, Silver Towers, River Place, and the Silver Suites residences on West 42nd Street.

“Residents of Silverstein Properties’ buildings use shopIN.nyc to shop the city, our back-to-school service helps them to get supplies delivered from local stores same-day,” said Maya Komerov, shopIN.nyc CEO. “Silverstein Properties’ support in spreading the word is a game-changer. We’re proud to partner with them to make their residents aware of this community supporting tool.”

Maya Komerov, Founder of ShopIN.nyc, steps onto the New York Launch Pod to discuss her same-day delivery e-commerce platform that allows you to shop from stores in your neighborhood all from the comfort of your home. For more information, please contact Maya Komerov, maya@shopin.nyc, 646-491-1941

As seen on NY Launch Pod: ‘With the rise of commerce giants like Amazon, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have suffered declining sales year after year. Despite most New Yorker’s wish to shop local and support their communities, local retailers have found it hard to compete on price and convenience and, because New Yorkers are always in a rush, oftentimes it doesn’t make sense to go to multiple stores to get everything they need. This is where ShopIN.nyc comes in. Through ShopIN.nyc Maya Komerov has created a platform that rivals the convenience of Amazon through same-day delivery and an all-in-one commerce platform that supports the small businesses which are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. On the ShopIN.nyc platform you can choose from a range of products sold by local businesses, ShopIN.nyc then sends their delivery team to each business to put your cart together and deliver it to you by the end of the day.” NY Launch Pod

“We are delighted to partner with shopIN.nyc on this important initiative,” said Tal Kerret, President, Silverstein Properties. “We believe it is important to support local businesses and retailers now more than ever. This is an easy and affordable way for parents and guardians to shop for their children’s school supplies.”

Tags back to school, children, Kids, NY Launch Pod, Parents, school supplies, shop local, Silverstein Properties

Featured Finance Lifestyle Living News NYC

5 Things To Do This Week In Lower Manhattan

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 2, 2020

Five things to do with your kids in New York City over the coming week. Here are Macaroni Kid Lower Manhattan’s picks.

Click on the links for all the details!

1. Gingerbread House Decorating Take-Home Kits!

Bring home the magic of Gingerbread! Each take-home kit includes one homemade gingerbread house, a variety of candy, freshly made icing, and one foiled round to set your house upon. Use Code: MERRY at checkout before 12/1/20 and enjoy $5 off per kit

2. Story Pirates Sleep Squad, Interactive Virtual Theater Experience

The Story Pirates, known for creating award-winning and hilarious sketch comedy based on children’s story ideas, launch SLEEP SQUAD, a family-friendly, interactive virtual theater experience that turns the viewer’s home into a rocket ship launching kids into dreamland.

3. Adventure Players Live! Interactive Online Performances

Adventure Players Live! continues interactive online performances on Fridays, November 6, 13, 20, and December 4, 11, 18 at 4 pm via Zoom, inviting children ages five to nine to join them in The Great Great Forest, an interactive world filled with whimsical characters and wild places.

4. Washington’s Farewell Film Premiere

This year, Fraunces Tavern Museum is bringing Washington’s farewell to you with a brand new film which reimagines General Washington’s emotional parting with his officers in the historic Long Room at Fraunces Tavern. On Friday, December 4, at 6:30 pm, join Fraunces Tavern Museum and the team behind Washington’s Farewell for an exclusive screening of the film, followed by a Q&A with the reenactors.

5. {Pre-Sale!} The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Christmas Stream

Don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. Get your tickets now for this cherished holiday tradition and relive the dream with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with the whole family.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Fall Escape at Queens County Farm Museum

Online Comics Club for Grades 3-5: Draw Some Comics!

Magic of Lights at Jones Beach

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Luminocity

MACY’S Santaland

By Anu Kapur, Publisher, Lower Manhattan Macaroni Kid

Tags adventure, Adventure Players Live, children, Family, Fraunces Tavern Museum, Gingerbread house, Kids, sleep squad, Story Pirates, thingstodo

Featured Living NYC

Gardening with Kids: A PAUSE Activity

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date April 2, 2020

By Rachel McMinn, Early Childhood Educator, Buckle My Shoe Preschool
Mar 31, 2020

Bringing nature into your home is a valuable learning experience for your child. Helping a tiny seed to sprout and grow is an experience that imparts empathy, self-sufficiency, connection to the earth, and ability to recognize a life cycle.

Now that the weather is starting to ease up and we are having warmer and sunnier days, it’s the perfect time to start planting with your little one! This project is beginner level and has a very big success rate (we do this in our classroom of two-year-olds each Spring). Even those with a black thumb will find their little seed growing in just a few days right before your eyes.

What do you need?

3 or 4 Dry beans (pinto, navy, kidney, lima* we usually use jumbo lima beans)
OR seeds from fruits and veggies you have in your home – apple, lemon, pepper, orange (these will take longer to sprout)
A sandwich or quart size ziplock bag
A paper towel
A small cup of water

Step One:

Before planting, we like to read the book Jack and the Beanstalk. Then our beans/seeds take on a new level of magic and amazement as they grow. After the story, fold the paper towel into a square (1/4 of the normal size).

Step Two:

Place your beans in the fold so it is tucked in like it’s wearing a blanket. The beans are sleeping, after all, and we need a cozy bed and water to wake it up!

Step Three:

Carefully place the “bed” into the ziplock bag.

Step Four:

Pour in a little bit of water to saturate the paper towel. You don’t want a puddle in there, so if your child over pours, simply tip the bag and get the extra water out. Seal the bag.

Step Five:

Hang the ziplock bag on a sunny window with a piece of tape.

Step Six:

Wait a few days and you should see some growing happening!! When the beanstalk gets large enough that it’s near the top of the bag, open it up and let it keep growing. When you get to this point, you will need to add more water for the bean to continue growing.

Step Seven:

Now that your bean is big and strong you can plant it in a pot with soil and continue to love and care for it.

Rachel McMinn is an early childhood educator at Buckle My Shoe Preschool in Tribeca, who has taught the young 2 year olds for almost nine years. She holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and a Writing degree from Pratt Institute. She lives in Brooklyn with her daughter, post-production & screenwriting husband, and two attention-seeking cats.

See More

The Benefits Of Growing A Family Garden

Holiday Break Family Fun in Downtown NYC

Paddington Arrives in New York and Gets in a Jam

Cutting the Ice at Winterland Rink

Tags activities, children, coronavirus, covid-19, Downtown, Downtown Magazine, Family, fun, Gardening, Kids, Rachel McMinn

Living NYC

The Benefits Of Growing A Family Garden

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date March 24, 2020

The power of plants is undeniable. As grocery stores flood and people are rushing to get staples, there is an alternative that everyone can try: finding their green thumbs. Indoor gardens, container gardens, porch gardens – any way of cultivating plants, herbs, vegetables, and fruits will help alleviate stress in the mind and in the pockets. A wonderful skill to pass to (or learn with!) your children in horticulture. It can be a form of meditation, as well as a source of salads and soups. Flower gardening is something everyone can enjoy, from admiring humans to hungry bees and birds. Get back in touch with the natural cycle, and feel good about fueling plant power!

As a parent, it can be a challenge to find fun and enriching activities to do as a family. Planting a backyard garden is an educational and rewarding way to bring parents and children together during planting, watering, and harvesting season. Get your hands dirty and grow some delicious and nutritious vegetables right in your own backyard.

Gardening provides many excellent teaching opportunities for your children. Teaching them about sustainable living and the cycle of growing their own food can be a lesson that they will remember for a lifetime.

Spruce up your plain old lawn safely and break ground on a small plot where you can start your garden. There are so many benefits to both you and your children from growing a family garden together.

Family Time

Parents are in heavy competition with technology today and it can be tough to find time to spend together where there are no screens involved. Getting your kids excited about doing something together is a great way to strengthen and renew your natural connection.

Quality time spent together as a family is an important way to improve your communication and bonding. Spending a few hours a week working in your garden can help you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Learning

Starting a family garden will give your children many opportunities to learn. You can teach them about the growing cycle so that they can begin to understand the concept of where their food comes from. You can also teach them how to maintain and harvest their bounty.

Once your harvest is in, you can take your lessons straight into the kitchen. If your kids are old enough to help you prepare meals, you can explore new recipes together using vegetables from your own garden.

Confidence & Self-Esteem

When your children take on the responsibilities of caring for a family garden you will help them boost their confidence and self-esteem. Following the gardening process from planting to harvesting will give your children a sense of accomplishment and goal fulfillment that comes from the process itself.

It’s a good idea to assign specific duties to each of your children. Watering, weeding, fertilizing and pruning are all duties that will help your garden and children to flourish.

Fresh Vegetables

Many people are looking for ways in their everyday lives to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. A backyard garden might not seem like much of a change, but it can provide you with fresh organic vegetables free from chemicals, which is great for your health and the environment.

As your family gains experience with gardening you can add new crops each year to expand your bounty. You can even sell or give your excess vegetables to family and friends. Your children want your time and attention more than anything else. Why not start planting a garden, so that you can enjoy the benefits together as a family?

SEE MORE:

CM Chin Calls For Emergency Assistance To Frontline Senior Center Workers

Get Involved: How To Help Homeless/Displaced LGBTQ+ Youth At The Ali Forney Center

Citymeals On Wheels Needs Donations To Help Elderly In Need

It Is The Perfect Time To Consider A Bidet Attachment

Album of the Year: Civilian by Frank Tovey

Tags botanical garden, container garden, Family, Family Activities, family time, fruits, Gardening, gardening with kids, gardens, herbs, horticulture, Kids, vegetables

Featured Living

Holiday Break Family Fun in Downtown NYC

Post author By Aida M. Toro
Post date December 24, 2019

As Christmas is only two days away, kids will obviously be out for winter recess. In this case, keeping them busy is a must and of course, Downtown New York has you covered with activities that’ll make them want to extend their winter break!

Museum of Icecream:

From December 14 through March 1, 2020, the exuberant ice cream pop up will be opened in Soho. Kids will relish sliding down the immense three-tier slide as well as tasting original and new ice cream flavors. There is also an ice-cream-themed “subway” for the kids to take the ride of their lives and a pool of rainbow sprinkles to go for that dive! The best part is that yummy treats will be provided at every little nook and cranny for them to munch on. All tickets cost $39 and children ages two and below won’t need a ticket.

How to Keep Your Kids Occupied for Holiday Break in Downtown NYC — Photo Credit: Eater NY

558 Broadway
New York, NY 10012

Let It Snow Slime Workshop:

Are your kids into the ooey gooey stuff? Well, they are in luck because the Ottendorfer Library in the East Village is offering a workshop to make snow slime at 3 pm. Children ages 4 to 12 can access this event. Also, all materials are complimentary!

135 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Paddington Gets in a Jam:

Come to the DR2 Theater in Union Square with your kiddos to watch one of society’s favorite bears come to action. Paddington Bear is making his beloved marmalade jam with Mrs. Bird, the housekeeper’s, assistance. The pair runs out of sugar for the marmalade which causes Paddington to go next door and borrow some sugar from his irritable neighbor Mr. Curry. Afterwards, Paddington enlists in helping to get the house ready for his visitors, which becomes a recipe for disaster!

Showtimes vary and tickets start at $29.00.

103 E 15th St
New York, NY 10003

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Experience

This literary classic will be shown live at the The Seaport Museum. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Experience showcases a bunch of puppets, truly adapting three of Eric Carle’s stories: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, including the main story of the event, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

All performances emphasize The Very Hungry Caterpillar paired with the story listed below:

12/26, 12/28, 12/29:
10 am – Brown Bear, Brown Bear; 11:30 am – 10 Little Rubber Ducks; 1 pm – Brown Bear, Brown Bear

12/27:
10 am – 10 Little Rubber Ducks; 11:30 am – Brown Bear, Brown Bear;1 pm – 10 Little Rubber Ducks

The cost to attend this event is $25.

12 Fulton St
New York, NY 10038

Angelina Ballerina: A Very Merry Holiday Musical:

Come with your kids to watch this spectacular show at the SoHo Playhouse. This musical is based on Angelina and her friends planning a fun holiday dance pageant for the holidays. Angelina and her crew experience a mix-up that stops the pageant from happening, therefore, the group has to utilize their creativity to make it happen! Overall, this show will teach your kids a great moral, which is about spreading and sharing the holiday cheer rather than presents you receive.

Tickets start at $25 and should be ordered in advance.

15 Vandam St
New York, NY 10013

See More:

Where to Feast On Christmas Day in Downtown NYC

The Downtown Kids Gift Guide 2019