Hello Mommies,
I wonder if you might put on your thinking caps and let me know of fun, inexpensive, or free activities for my nanny to do with my 3 y/o son? We live on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan and I usually have him enrolled in a class at asphalt green, but have not done that for the summer, thinking that outside activities were the way to go, but I'm afraid that they are getting a little bored with the park! Just 1-2 hour outings would be ideal, since he is still napping mid-day. Any suggestions you might have would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
Thank you mommies! Your creative suggestions are much appreciated, by me, my nanny, and my 3 year old son. Summer just suddenly became fun again!
The children's museum on the UWS is great - they have a whole outdoor water play area that's open when its nice out and they have about 3 floors of other exhibits. It's a $10 entrance fee but there is plenty to do and she can do one exhibit with him each time they go.
go to time out kids and also go city kids connect and find activities. all the playgrounds do arts and crafts. central park has lots of concerts in different playgrounds. there are many water playgrounds around the city. take a bus ride my 3 yr old loves that. go to south street seaport walk around and take the bus back. take the staten island ferry. go to madison sq park free concerts tues and thurs at 10:30. so lots to do.
Hi B.,
Here are some ideas for free or inexpensive fun in the city for kids:
www.gocitykids.com
Click NY and you'll see a host of events
www.cityparksfoundation.org
Click "The Arts" then "Kids" and you'll see events like puppuet shows, dance shows, cultural events, snippets of Broadway shows, etc. Make sure you click your borough as there are such events in each borough.
Good luck!
Join all museums and zoo. (Including NY Hall of Science which has a brand new preschool wing - very close in Queens and shares reciprocity with 200 science museums around the world!) Museums during the week and inclimate weather are fantasic. Take the bus - that's a great adventure in itself. During the school year, these memberships are great too. Let your child be the guide - try not to direct or teach too much (keeping within appropriate boundaries) - just let them explore - you follow and facilitate. When my son was 2, we would go accross town on the bus to the Mus. of Natural History and he would spend all day just going up and down the stairs. Then we'd have a snack in the cafe and go home for much needed nap time. Avoid busy times though and always remain within "grabbing" distance - especially on the stairs or crowds. Most importantly - LEAVE THE STROLLER AT HOME!!! Teach them to hold your hand and walk so you can talk and see the same things. Pick them up to cross avenues. Carry a backpack. Let them carry a small backpack for small toys, snacks, and treasures they may find along the way. Let them let go of hands when you're inside museums or zoos but NOT on the streets. If he tries to run off and doesn't listen, give him ONE warning, "If you don't listen, you will need to hold Mommy's hand for the rest of the day". Follow through without compromise. If he tries to pull away, tell him that you will have to hold him tightly. If he doesn't like that then tell him that HE can hold YOUR hand. If this doesn't work, you will have to go home and tell him you will try again tomorrow. And do! If you follow through with these things, he will learn in one day. If you capitulate, he will continue to test. Walking together from the time my son was 1 yr. old was the cornerstone of our relationship and the best way to explore and enjoy NYC and have real conversations! It also keeps us closer and in good shape. He's 11 now and nearly my height and we still walk all over and he would still hold my hand if it weren't "uncool". He's one of the few NYC kids I know who would prefer to walk than take a taxi or bus. It's a real life example of the adage, "It's the journey, not the destination that matters." Enjoy it all!
Check out the library. There are at least 4 branches on the UES and surely one would be close by you. they have lots of activities (check calendar), or your nanny can just help him find books to read. Educational and fun, and best of all free.
for more information, go to their website www.nypl.org
they are transitioning to a new system and still working out some bugs, but keep trying. This is also good for your whole family. For example, You can borrow dvds on a wide range of subjects.
Have a great summer!
Central Park offers all sorts of entertainment for kids. Don't believe kids get bored being with other kids in a playground.
And there is always the children museum on the westside, as well as the Museum of Natural History.
C.
Roosevelt Island. They have a great playground near the train, grass to sit on and have a picnic and lovely views of Manhattan.
Central Park is always nice and has amny things going on for young children like the Children's Zoo. You can always check out their website for ideas. There is also the CHildrens Musuem of Manhattan at 212 West 83rd Street
between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway
Also look on this site as it may have more ideas for you: http://www.nymetroparents.com/index.cfm
A music class. A good one on 78st (btw 2/3) and maybe she can make playdates w other nannies from class?
Also, I go to library storytimes a few times a week. Barnes + noble has them too.
If your son enjoys riding the subway, she could take a train downtown and then ride the Staten Island Ferry. It's free, and a totally great ride. Nice views of the Statue of Liberty and being on the water is exciting. My husband just did this with our almost-3-year-old daughters, and they loved it. You have to get out on the other side, but you can just explore the SI terminal for the half hour or so before the ferry back to Manhattan.
