Want to do something different for family game night? A visit to Sugar Mouse NYC offers various ways families can enjoy an updated gaming ex...

Want to do something different for family game night? A visit to Sugar Mouse NYC offers various ways families can enjoy an updated gaming experience. 

Note: I was invited as media for review purpose. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

During a visit, I took my teen son and his friend to spent some time gaming, snacking and bonding while we learned how families can spend time together at Sugar Mouse NYC.

We fully enjoyed our time there, and think it's a great space for families to visit.

Gaming Space

Since our visit happened during Anime NYC, the walls were covered with moving projections from various anime series. I learned that using 360° projection technology the walls can be change multiple ways. Even customized by section for private parties and gatherings.

After taking photos with the anime walls....cause teen boy....we set out to play the various games.


We played pool, ping pong and foosball. The teens had fun learning how to play and playing against each other.

It was a nice way to get them off their smartphones and interacting deeper in real time. I can totally see families making memories and deeper bonds while playing these games.

Food Options

In between playing the various games, we tried a few items on the Sugar Mouse NYC menu. There's a few different pizza options, finger foods including chicken fingers and various juices and sodas.

Overall simple but tasty food options. However if your family has specific food needs or request, then contact Sugar Mouse NYC before your visit to discuss. They might be able to preorder something for a fee. They're starting to build partnerships with surrounding restaurants.

Adult Only Perks

While the kids are enjoying the games and activities, you have the option to enjoy an adult beverage with your food.

The full bar offers both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. I personally enjoyed drinks from both menus. Highly recommend either option.

Just a FYI

Overall the venue is versatile, offering everything from themed creative activities for kids, a relaxed settings for adults, and even a space for live music.

However, I do recommend keeping a few things in mind.

If you have young kids, then go early when Sugar Mouse NYC opens or during one of their family focused events.

For teens best to go as a group and maybe with an adult. Again going during focused events.

For planning private events, currently Sugar Mouse NYC recommends to do a rental before they open at 4pm. Contact them to preplan curate unique content for the guest (i.e., birthday space little mermaid, Marvel, Batman, etc.)

Sugar Mouse NYC

Located in the East Village, Sugar Mouse NYC is a family-friendly space designed to be more than a typical game hall.

Featuring:

• Immersive Experience: Unlike traditional game halls, the space is equipped with advanced 360° projection technology that surrounds players in a dynamic, interactive environment. This adds a new dimension to your gaming experience, making it more engaging and memorable.
• Diverse Entertainment Options: Alongside the immersive digital experiences, they offer a variety of classic games like pool and ping pong. This blend of new and traditional ensures there’s something for everyone, whether they’re tech enthusiasts or fans of classic board games that you grew up playing.
• Customizable Events: The game hall is designed for social interaction. Whether it’s a group of friends, a family outing, or a team-building event, the space encourages collaboration and friendly competition in a lively, immersive setting.
  
  There's flexible options for hosting events, from private parties to corporate gatherings. With the ability to customize the gaming environment and activities, guests can tailor their experience to fit any occasion.


• Warm, Welcoming Environment: The whimsical decor, with its vibrant colors and playful design, makes Sugar Mouse NYC a magical place for families to unwind together. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, enjoying a day out, or just stopping by for a treat, Sugar Mouse NYC provides an inviting environment for everyone.
• Community-Centered: Sugar Mouse NYC is committed to being a part of the local community by hosting events like family game nights, storytelling sessions, and seasonal celebrations. It's a space where families can connect and make lasting memories.

Learn more, visit - www.sugarmousenyc.com

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teen...

Did you know that Manhattan Fencing Center have trained Olympic medalist coaches available to teach kids from youth (ages 4-6) through teens (13-16)?

To learn more, I took my teen son for a fencing lesson!

Note: I invited as media for a fencing session for review purposes. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

We met with Saber Coach Serge Shachanin, who took my teen son into Manhattan Fencing Center sports floor for a mini personal lesson.

During the lesson my son learned how to properly pick and wear the fencing equipment, basic footwork and how to stand and move, then about how to pick a blade.

Then it was time for him to put everything into action. Serge engaged my son with back and forth fencing and blocking. While my son was nervous at first, Serge correction and encouragements' help my son gain confidence and put more action into his movements.

After the lesson, both my son and I was excited with what he learned in such a short time. We both agreed that long term lessons would be very cool.

While it's recommended that kids start fencing lesson while younger, even teens starting now can benefit from learning to fence with some extra coaching and effort.

Fencing can help kids develop good sportsmanship, instill self-discipline, achieve healthy body, get accepted to top universities and so much more.

Manhattan Fencing Center

Manhattan Fencing Center offers classes (and camp) for musketeers (ages 4-6), youth (7-12), teens (13-16), competitive and elite.

Clinics and camps are taught by elite coaching team consisting of National, International and Olympic coaches. Camps are offered for students age 5 and up of all ability levels. Camps are divided by weapon, age, experience and USFA rating.

Their classes are unique in that they are broken up by both age and skill, unlike most other fencing clubs where kids are grouped together all in one big class.

They offer small classes and extra personalized attention to fencers which results in the #1 saber rating in the country so far and top college placements.

Manhattan Fencing Center is known for its trained Olympic medalist coaches in foil and saber for children and adults.

Before they head off to the 2024 Olympics, all qualifiers, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, Feres Ferjani, Pascaul Di Tella, Colin Heathcock, and Maia Chamberlain were trained by MFC Founder, Yury Gelman and coach, Vladimir Lukashenko.

Manhattan Fencing Center has two locations, one in NYC and one recently opened in newest location in Englewood, NJ.

For more information, visit - www.manhattanfencing.com

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was...

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was able to experience it with my teen son at the American Museum of Natural History.

Note: While I paid for tickets into AMNH for this event, I sometimes work with the museum to highlight special programs. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

The AMNH hosted a Solar Eclipse Day, which included getting a pair eclipse glasses, along with family-friendly educational activities.

While we missed the activities, we did get our eclipse glasses and joined other families on the Arthur Ross Terrace.


Being on Arthur Ross Terrace gave us a clear amazing view as we watched the moon eclipse the sun. Even at 90 percent coverage, it was truly one of those rare life experiences.

Made more rare when I heard my teen said this was "cool" and later that he enjoyed sharing that moment with me. A truly phenomenal day.

Hopefully my son can see the next total solar eclipse in 2044, when he's 35 y/o with his teen child!

While Solar Eclipse Day is over, the still has lots of Spring and Summer events families can enjoy, including upcoming EarthFest Celebration.

EarthFest Celebration

To commemorate Earth Month, the American Museum of Natural History's "EarthFest Celebration" will happen on Saturday, April 27 with a full day of family-friendly activities and performances celebrating our planet.

Free with Museum admission, EarthFest will include hands-on science and art activities, engagements with Museum scientists, and a “bioblitz,” where participants will join scientists in Central Park to discover the amazing variety of local insects.

EarthFest Schedule and Activities

Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life

10 am–4 pm

In Search of Earth’s Secrets

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics. Learn about the real science that happens on the IODP ship through the pop-up science experiment “In Search of Earth’s Secrets.”

Our Earth’s Ecosystems

The Museum’s Science Visualization Group in collaboration with teams from Columbia University’s LEAP and Brown Institute have produced a smartphone-based augmented reality experience that will enable visitors in the Hall of Ocean Life to learn about the vital role that ocean ecosystems play in Earth’s climate system.

In addition to bringing some of the hall’s most beloved dioramas to life, the experience will demonstrate how animals help plants grow faster, slow the release of greenhouse gases, and store carbon in their bodies.

Microscopic Marvels: Exploring NYC's Urban Ecosystem (noon–3 pm)

Meet our tiny neighbors! Use a variety of microscopes to get a sparkling introduction to plankton swimming in NYC’s ponds and winged critters that glide on the breezes of our urban habitats.

Become Part of Nature with InHerBeauty (10 am–3 pm)

At this marine-themed station, attendees can immerse themselves in hair, makeup, and nail art, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate patterns found in oceanic species.

EarthFest Myth-Busting Workshops From Climate Exchange and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Engage with dynamic activities focused on climate science communication and improvisational theater. Using techniques from improv, role-playing, and other theater games, participate in hands-on exercises designed to foster understanding and action on climate issues.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

10 am–4 pm

Performance: Bees by Polyglot Theatre
10:30 am, noon, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm

Life-sized bees take over the Museum’s galleries, inviting children to explore their dynamic world through movement, sound, and play. This performance creates community through exploration and encourages young audiences to discover the fascinating life of these tiny insects.

Build Your Own Solar Car with Solar One

Curious about how solar power works? Join environmental STEM educator Solar One for a workshop to build your own solar car. Become a solar technician and install solar panels on your vehicle, which will move at different speeds depending on how the panel is positioned on the car.

City Nature Challenge: InsectBlitz

The City Nature Challenge invites participants to document urban biodiversity through citizen science, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world thriving amidst bustling cityscapes. This year, EarthFest is joining Team NYC to showcase the richness of our local insect species, celebrating the biodiversity thriving just outside the Museum.

Visit the Solomon Family Insectarium to explore local biodiversity, learn how to use iNaturalist, and practice taking photos of live insects in tanks. Then sign up for a 4 pm InsectBlitz excursion into Central Park and compete with other cities for the most observations!

Ask An Expert

Visit “Ask an Expert” stations, where you can engage with knowledgeable scientists and educators to satisfy your curiosity about the wonders of the Earth. Whether you have burning questions about mammalogy, biology, or geology, our experts are here to provide insightful answers.

BEEcome Part of the Hive

Join the hive by crafting your own antenna, wings, or bee stripes in this hands-on art-making activity! Find this station under the Gilder Center staircase, near the Museum shop.

Screening for Solar Rays

In this activity, learn about the importance of sunscreen through interactive experiments, like using UV rays and special camera lenses to reveal the invisible protection it provides while you’re having fun in the Sun.

Learn more, visit - www.amnh.org/calendar/earthfest

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities. Note: I was invited a...

Now that the weather has started getting warmer, it's time for families to start planning outdoor activities.

Note: I was invited as media and received product samples for review purpose. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

One location that offers a variety of family fun activities is Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ.


To see some of the fun families can have there, I was invited for a full day experience, with access to our own at a private luxury skybox cabana, and a hands-on demo of summer ready products for families.

We first settled into our private skybox cabana which is AMAZING.


There's was a full living room with couchs, a TV and entertainment center, a private changing area and a mini kitchen area with a sink and mini fridge. We were able to change, leave our things and head out into the water park.

Our first stop was to see the products demo! Which were #gifted for us to try out while there and take home!

Products for Summer Family Fun

Monster Speakers

DNA Max ($179) Provides a sensational listening experience with brilliantly engineered technology in an extraordinary, portable design.

Blaster 3.0 ($299) a revolutionary portable boombox that delivers breathtaking sound, phenomenal bass, water resistance, and extraordinary battery life all in one lightweight, stunning design.

BlendJet 2

BlendJet’s newest accessories and designs including Disney and more. Serves up big blender power on the go.

It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, on vacation or wherever the day takes you. Use with BlendJet JetPacks for juice bar quality smoothies and barista-worthy lattes at the touch of a button.

BeachTech Towels

BeachTech Towels made from recycled plastic, with sand wicking properties and built-in UV sensors in Nickelodeon designs (Spongebob, Avatar, Blue’s Clues, PawPatrol and more.

Folding to the size of a paperback book, these towels dry almost instantly - perfect for traveling.


After the demo, we quickly opened our BeachTech Towels and headed out for a day of water fun. And when I say the whole day, I truly meant it.


There's was so many areas for families to enjoy. One of the things I enjoyed about the Dreamworks Water Park is that there's rides for all ages of kids (and adults).

I confess the moms had just as much fun as the teen boys on the water rides. We did a few water rides just us moms and other water rides moms and son teams.


After a full day of water fun, we dried off quick and easy with our BeachTech Towels and folded them back into their carry bags.

Carrying four towels became so much easier and we plan to use our BeachTech Towels during more water activities!

If your family enjoys water parks but don't want to travel far, I highly recommend visiting Dreamworks Water Park in the American Dream Mall.

Dreamworks Water Park Deals

Splash & Save in April & May

Enjoy 30% off at DreamWorks Water Park this spring. Use code* SAVE30, Mon-Thu, April 17th - May 18th.

Spring Season Splash Pass

The new 2023 Spring Season Splash Pass is perfect for repeat visits! At $179, enjoy unlimited visits to DreamWorks Water Park throughout spring from April 17th – June 30th.

Spring Break Pass

Experience The Great Indoors at one great price—only $165. Save up to 25% on admission to two parks, plus get a $20 dining card to your choice of MrBeast Burger or Five Guys. Buy your passes now for April 1 – May 12.

Spring Break Pass

DreamWorks Water Park and Nickelodeon Universe for one low price. Choose to experience both parks in one day or across multiple days. Your choice!

Includes 1-day admission to DreamWorks Water Park, Includes 1-day admission to Nickelodeon Universe. Valid now through June 15, 2023; one-time use, blackout days may apply.

Learn more, visit - www.americandream.com

While touring around Philadelphia this past week, we walked through an area close to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. We planned to visit t...

While touring around Philadelphia this past week, we walked through an area close to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. We planned to visit there, but that $15 ticket price changed my mind.

Instead we walked around the neighborhood on South Street, and checked out Isaiah Zagar colorful mosaic murals on buildings and alley walk ways. For free. HA!

I've always liked the colors and patterns of mosaics, but these mosaic murals had extra. While you can see the artwork in large view, when you step in closer, you can see more details and more artwork.



Like with the corner of this mosaic window. After I zoomed in, I discovered so much more. Can you tell which area I zoomed in on? Hint, look for the pink square on the left (right?).

Fall weekends are made for outside activities, so we headed upstate for an apple picking adventure. Which is sorta a side eye activity, sinc...

Fall weekends are made for outside activities, so we headed upstate for an apple picking adventure. Which is sorta a side eye activity, since my son can't actually eat apples.

My son is allergic to apples, but he still enjoys the "picking" part, so we met up with friends at Fishkill Farms for a group playdate.

And what a fun day of doing all the things, except what we planned.


Well that's not really true, we did attempt to pick some apples. But I think our group got a bit overwhelmed with the apple area. There were so many different apple varities for picking. And rows and rows and rows.

At a certain point, we collectively decided we made a good effort and moved on to the others area. Next up? Corn maze!

Now let me start by saying. No way was I going in there.


But after all the kids went in, had fun running around and came back out, the pressure was on me. So I braved it and stepped in. Thankfully my son and the other kids walked me in and shouted encouragement and instructions along the way.

I confess I might have speed walked my way around and out the corn maze. But hey I did it. On to the pumpkin patch!


So the plan was to pick up a pumpkin to bring home. But with kids plans are clearly flexible. They walked all around the pumpkin patch picking out large pumpkins, small pumpkins, pumpkins with snails on them. And after all that, no one came home with a pumpkin!

But I did get a nice mom and son photo sitting on a pumpkin. So still a win?


After all that walking, I was ready for a hayride. Thankfully the rides come quickly and offer room to spread out, so you can see everything.

Such great view! Which I tried to enjoy kid free. Seems my son had other ideas. Still the ride was great and we got a full view of the farm and all the different fruits, veggies and animals (honey bees! chickens!) there.


I would've loved to take another ride, but it was time to head out! Even though our day didn't go as planned, no apple donuts for me, we really enjoyed our time at the farm with friends.

How is your family enjoying the Fall weekends?

Most parents with a teen can relate to having a moody child. That's just how this stage is for a lot of us. While as parents we understa...

Most parents with a teen can relate to having a moody child. That's just how this stage is for a lot of us. While as parents we understand this, we still want to keep connected with our "kids" as they grow towards adulthood.

Note: I received product samples for review purpose. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

One way I found that works for me and my son is using humor. So when I first saw The Grumpy Octopus, I immediately started smiling and welcomed one into our home.

At first my son didn't understand why I wanted to have a plush octopus, but after a few days he learned. I tasked my Grumpy Octopus with keeping my son company and providing support....and also some humor for me.

So our Grumpy Octopus....

.....helped my son get dressed for school in the morning


.....helped my son with his homework


......helped my son with his science experiments


While The Grumpy Octopus looks like he wants to be left alone.....kinda like my teen son....what I think he really wants is some understanding....and an activity! Which I was happy to provide.

The result was my teen son started to be in a lighter mood. Moments in his day weren't always so serious. We could share a laugh over whatever activity our Grumpy Octopus did that day. Which easily led to a continued convo about other things that happened that day.

Connecting with teen isn't always straight forward or easy. But with a little creativity and maybe a Grumpy Octopus, teens and their parents can find new ways to communicate and share a laugh.

About The Grumpy Octopus

This 12-inch sourpuss octopus is an incredibly soft and huggable plushie, which provides a skin-friendly, comfortable cuddly feel for adults, kids, babies, and pets. Made from the highest-quality velboa, it measures 12" x 8" x 7.5".

Created by San Diegan Amr Ahmed, who was inspired to design a stuffed animal his little sister would love that was not commonplace. So he made the Grumpy Octopus and likened it to the iPhone's octopus emoji.

He also paid homage to the love of grumpy characters - Oscar the Grouch, Squidward, Grumpy the dwarf from Snow White, Diego the saber-tooth tiger from Ice Age, Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec, and the infamous Grumpy Cat!

The Grumpy Octopus is available on Amazon for $39.28.

Learn more - www.thegrumpyoctopus.com

So in an example that kids want to do...what you do....I gave my son a typing test. I had to take a typing test for work. My son could...

So in an example that kids want to do...what you do....I gave my son a typing test.

I had to take a typing test for work. My son couldn't understand why. Cause all kids know how to type now right?

I explained not everyone knows how to type. Meaning some adults around my age. Isn't that ironic...

What's even more ironic, is that my son types just as fast as I do....

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then get ready to explore the magical world in a new way! Two new interactive Harry Potter virtual reality e...

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then get ready to explore the magical world in a new way! Two new interactive Harry Potter virtual reality experiences – “Chaos at Hogwarts” and “Wizards Take Flight”, are opening at Harry Potter New York flagship store on July 15, 2021.

Note: This post is in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment, who invited me to the Harry Potter VR Experiences. However, views expressed are always 100% my own.

We visited the Harry Potter NYC store for a preview of both #HarryPotterVR Experiences and LOVED them! If we could have kept going on the adventures all day, we totally would have.

The virtual reality was so well done. It really looked and felt like we were at Hogwarts Castle riding our brooms and helping Dobby.


A few things we enjoyed about the #HarryPotterNY Experiences included:

• A full and exciting experience at a good time length. The adventures don't feel over too quickly.
• You experience favorite parts from the Harry Potter films. Sorry, I can't tell you which ones. Trust me, you will be excited for them.
• It's interactive. You can see and do tasks in the VR world. But can also see, touch and assist the other members in your group.

But it's not just about the VR effects, even thought they are awesome. The "experiences" was also outside the headsets.

The waiting area for both experience were decorated like scenes from the Harry Potter films. You can stand in a recreated King's Cross train station before boarding your train to Hogwarts Castle.

It's all so authentic feeling. Ready to experience yourself? Learn more about the Harry Potter VR Experiences and how to get advance tickets!

Harry Potter Virtual Reality Experiences

Created by WarnerMedia in partnership with the creative teams at Wevr and Keylight and VR industry leaders Dreamscape Immersive, the two adventures create totally new and unique experiences for fans.

The “Chaos at Hogwarts” and Wizards Take Flight.” virtual reality experiences can only be experienced at Harry Potter New York with a timed reservation. All guests must be at least 48 inches tall and 10+ years old. Guests under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.

Tickets are $34.00 per guest, and VR reservations include access to Harry Potter New York. Reservations are now available from July 15 to August 15 and pre-booking is highly recommended.

Both experiences combine thrilling action with beloved characters and landmarks into an immersive virtual world for the first time, allowing you a new real-time interactive exploration of the magical world of Harry Potter. Guests will be able to choose from multiple Wizarding World-themed avatars, allowing for customization of their Hogwarts house among other attributes.

Using state-of the-art wearable VR technology, including headsets, backpacks, hand and foot trackers, and peripheral wands that allow interaction with the virtual experiences, visitors will be able to roam freely through Hogwarts Castle, and fly through the skies of London.

• Starting with your arrival at King’s Cross for preboarding, “Chaos at Hogwarts” guests take a magical journey to Hogwarts Castle and become part of the adventure. Up to 6 guests can explore the stage in a social free roam adventure surrounded by various haptics and special effects, all synchronized with the story experience.

• “Wizards Take Flight” prepares guests for a flight adventure as they fly on brooms with the thrills of a magical wand battle against Death Eaters over the skies of London and free fly around the enchanting grounds of Hogwarts Castle.  Up to 6 guests are seated on their own physical broom, a first for fans of the Wizarding World, with their own station of haptics and special effects, all synchronized with the story experience.

The sensory effects and immersive virtual environment deliver a brand-new level of realism and adventure unlike anything fans will have experienced before.

Harry Potter New York City Store

Harry Potter New York houses the VR adventure pods in Harry Potter-themed staging areas, featuring an array of Wizarding World decorations and props. It's also the world’s only official Harry Potter flagship store in the heart of New York City’s Flatiron district offering an unforgettable experience for Wizarding World fans.

Spanning three floors and over 21,000 sq. ft., Harry Potter New York houses the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof.

Location
935 Broadway
New York, NY 10010
Entrances on both Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

Hours
Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sundays: 11am-7pm

To learn more and book tickets, visit - www.harrypotterstore.com/tickets

Facebook - www.facebook.com/HarryPotterNewYork
Twitter - www.twitter.com/harrypotterny
Instagram - www.instagram.com/harrypotterny

Brooklyn Bridge Park has released the schedule of events available to families over the summer season, and we can't wait to check some o...

Brooklyn Bridge Park has released the schedule of events available to families over the summer season, and we can't wait to check some of them out.

To get our pre-summer fun started, I signed up for the "Public Seining" session to learn about the sealife and plants living in the Hudson River. The event was nice and simple, which helped get us back outside, with the plus of being an educational activity.


After catching some sealife, we learned more about them from the onsite educator table. It was a good way to start our morning in Brooklyn Bridge Park. We spent the rest of the afternoon, walking around on the different Piers and enjoying the fresh air.

While we only signed up for that one class, there's lots more classes and activities we plan to check out during the summer.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Conservancy) are excited to offer an enriching season of arts and culture, fitness, recreation, environmental education, and volunteer opportunities from May to October.

Brooklyn Bridge Park 2021 Activities

All events and activities in the Park will strictly adhere to the City’s guidance on COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols. Please note that advanced registration is required for most programs, with a limited number of walk-up spots available. Please see brooklynbridgepark.org for more detailed information.

EDUCATION

The Conservancy hopes to reopen the Environmental Education Center to the public in September — in the meantime, families and students can learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the plants and animals of the East River estuary, and the ecology and design of Brooklyn Bridge Park through monthly educational themes featuring virtual Open Hours, online learning units, self-led outdoor activities like monthly Scavenger Hunts, virtual nature and wildlife workshops, and field trips (both in-person and virtual).

Journey to the Stars will return on select Fridays June through August. Amateur Astronomers of New York City will set up hi-powered telescopes along the Pier 1 promenade for participants to enjoy the wonders of the universe and have a rare chance to view select stars and planets from NYC.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has also partnered with Trail Blazers to offer a brand new summer day camp in Brooklyn Bridge Park running from July through August. Campers will develop an appreciation for nature and the environment, while making memories to last a lifetime, through hands-on education, waterfront adventures, nature activities, and play. Participants can choose to attend the full program or pick and choose individual weeks.

ARTS & CULTURE

Cultural programming this season will include brand new family-friendly and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-centered events, as well as the return of yearly favorites like the annual Hindu Lamp Ceremony, the Brooklyn Americana Music Festival, and a shortened run of the Movies With A View series.

The Conservancy’s new Open Studios Residency has returned in an expanded format, featuring two artists-in-residence Fogo Azul NYC and Oyo Oro Afro-Cuban Experimental Dance Ensemble. The public is invited to view open-air rehearsals, every other Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm to get a unique window inside the creative process, while enjoying live performing arts activating Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The Residency culminates on Sunday, July 11 with both companies premiering their original works developed for the Park at Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn.

Public Art Fund this summer will bring Claudia Wieser’s first outdoor public artwork, a grouping of large scale geometric structures that the public can immerse in and explore. The piece will be on display opening in July at the Main Street entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

FITNESS & RECREATION

From May through October, the Conservancy will host a broad range of free weekly Waterfront Workouts with top-notch instructors from local partners Abhaya Yoga, Chelsea Piers Fitness, and Dodge YMCA.

Participants can choose from morning Vinyasa Yoga, Sunset Yoga, Amp'd Bootcamp, Pilates, Zumba, and a brand new Family Fitness class in Brooklyn Bridge Park's unbeatable outdoor setting. Advanced registration is required and opens every Tuesday at 10:00am for the following week of fitness classes.

In addition to Waterfront Workouts, there is also the popular Walk-Up Kayaking program presented by the Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. Visitors will launch from the Pier 4 beach and glide along the East River starting in June on Wednesdays from 4-8pm through the end of August, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm through the end of September.

The Conservancy’s Adult Summer Soccer League will run from June 9-August 11, with weekly games on Wednesday evenings. Participants can sign up for the Men’s team, Co-ed team, or sign up to be a free agent.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with Big City Volleyball, will welcome back Volleyball Leagues this May through October. The league is 6v6, with games on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and tournaments on select Saturdays.

VOLUNTEER

Throughout the season, volunteers can give back to the community on Saturday mornings, May 29 through October 30, at Green Team and Coastal Cleanups. Green Team offers nature enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about gardening and horticulture, while Coastal Cleanups will allow visitors to help keep the Park’s shorelines clean and beautiful.

For teenagers looking to complete community service hours, the Conservancy is excited to offer two additional sessions of the increasingly popular TIDES (Teens Interested in and Dedicated to Environmental Sciences) program this summer and fall. TIDES provides an opportunity for teenagers to learn about ecology, conservation, and environmental sustainability, while completing hands-on activities in the Park.

Waterfront Walks kick off on select Sundays starting on May 9 and run through the end of October. Traverse the Park’s beautiful landscape on an immersive tour with Conservancy docents and learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, how the Park came to life, and BBP’s sustainable design.

More upcoming events will be added on an ongoing basis at www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events

This week I restarted a simple but important practice. Breathing. Yes I'm already breathing, but that's not what I meant. I meant ...

This week I restarted a simple but important practice. Breathing. Yes I'm already breathing, but that's not what I meant. I meant the deep seated breathing that goes along with meditation.

Post published on July 31, 2013 • Last Updated May 24, 2021.

It has been years since I first learned about the importance of breathing and quieting my mind. Every morning I use to get up and just sit and breathe for 30 minutes. Of course that was way before I had a child and had an extra 30 minutes.

These days sitting still for 30 minutes feels like a luxury. As any parent knows once a child see you sitting down, that's their cue to come and talk with you. Cause obviously, you need some company if you're just sitting alone. Right? Bless our kids. LOL

But the reality is we DO need a few minutes of quiet time. I confess I sure do. I start to get twitchy if there's to much "noise" going on around me and inside my head. Lately I've been feeling things are too loud and I can't hear myself think. If I can't think, then how can I take care of things?

So to help me hear what I'm thinking....isn't that an interesting statement....I had to go back to having quiet time. So every morning this week, I woke and just sat for 15 minutes. I didn't check email, I didn't turn on the TV, I didn't do all the usual morning things. I took the time to sit. And breathe. Deeply.

Now I confess the first 5 minutes are the hardest. As my mind stills and starts getting organized, I start thinking of all the things I could be doing. At that point I have to be determined and say to myself, that waiting another 10 minutes won't make a difference. But if a thought is really nagging me, then I write it down on a notepad next to me and go back to sitting and breathing.

By the third day I was getting better at sitting and breathing without feeling panicked. It's crazy to think that sitting still for 15 minutes can lead to me panicking about not getting something done. But that's the crazy part isn't it? That I can't even take 15 minutes for myself.

As I sat and breathed, I am amazed that I've allowed myself to get into this state of mind. But with each minute I sit there breathing, I'm slowly changing that state. I'm slowly returning to myself and hearing my thoughts in the noise of the world. It's amazing how just the simple act of sitting and breathing can do that.

When was the last time you sat and breathed?

Right around Halloween we were invited to tour the real life replica of The Addams Family Mansion in celebration of The Addams Family animat...

Right around Halloween we were invited to tour the real life replica of The Addams Family Mansion in celebration of The Addams Family animated film release. Was it a spooky request? Yes so of course we went!

Note: I was invited as media to The Addams Family Mansion Tour and received the Blu-ray. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

After arriving, we were welcomed by an interesting (hungry) plant in the living room, before finding a seat next to a wall decorated with Addams Family portraits. Aren't they all just....lovely.



But we didn't get to sit down for long. We were shown into the kitchen for refreshments and snacks. So much yummies. Surprisingly not all scary. Just a few worms, eyes balls and blood like snacks.

After getting yummies, we meet The Addams Family who separated us into group for a tour of the house and their rooms. I prayed that we made it back from the tour!


Our first stop was Pugsley's room. While it was cozy and he seemed....nice (not really) .... the fact that he had dynamite he wanted to set off made me exit very quickly.


Our next stop was Wednesday's room. While I do like Wednesday, at the first look of her guillotine bed, I was looking for the door to run. But Wednesday spotted me trying to sneak out and decided to invite my son into a circle with others. I couldn't just leave my son there!


Turns out my son enjoyed hanging out with Wednesday and didn't hesitate when she offered him a seat in her electric chair. I stood by ready. Just in case. But we made it safely out of Wednesday's room.

But could we now make it out of the house?! It was getting dark and people started disappearing!


So we quietly snuck our way around the The Addams Family Mansion including a stop in the master bedroom, a stop to wish Thing goodnight and say hello (and goodbye!) to cousin IT and Uncle Fester.


In truth I wasn't sure Uncle Fester was going to let us leave but we made it out with lots of spooky memories to keep us awake at night. HA!

While my son and I had a great time touring The Addams Family Mansion, we rather stay home and watch the The Addams Family from the safety of our living room.

Which we now can do since the animated film, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, has been released on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.


THE ADDAMS FAMILY on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital showcase the wonderfully weird world of the Addams family with a variety of exclusive bonus features not seen in theaters including deleted and extended scenes, an interactive charades game with Thing, behind-the-scenes footage, music lyric videos and more!

To learn more, visit - www.AddamsFamily.Movie