Looking for something special to do during the month of July with your family? Look no further. Here are 10 ideas, from taking your child “Phishing”, kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, and checking out interactive installations at the Kids Summer Family Day at the Whitney Museum of Art.
July 4th: Independence Day in Prospect Park, 12-5pm: Enjoy family-friendly activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lefferts Historic House and the Carousel. Activities include nature activities at the Audubon Center, signing a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence at the Lefferts Historic House and a ride on the infamous 1912 carousel. https://www.prospectpark.org/news-events/events/2017/7/4#independence-day-prospect-park-2017 July 4th (location: all over NYC): Do you have a little one that will stay up late and watch fireworks with you? Time Out lists best places to watch this year, including Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-4th-of-july-fireworks July 8th: Family Cooking in the Garden at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, 1pm-2:30pm. Bring the whole family to the Children’s Garden for an afternoon cooking class. Harvest produce from the garden, then try the kitchen tool, techniques, and recipes in the Children’s Garden that will also keep kids engaged in the home kitchen. The group will prepare one farm-fresh entree and one dessert to share. Member Fee: $15, Non-Member Fee: $17. https://classes.bbg.org/CourseStatus.awp?&course=17SCGFCGA July 9th and 23rd: Rock and Roll Playhouse at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, 12pm. On the 9th come check out The Music of Elvis Presley for Kids. And on July 23rd, Kids Gone Phishing: Baker’s Trio. Each workshop is 60 minutes long and is specifically designed for children 7 and under, but all members of the family are welcome to this family show. All ages, tickets are $10 (kids under 1 are free). http://www.brooklynbowl.com/event/1487392-rock-roll-playhouse-music-brooklyn/ and http://www.brooklynbowl.com/event/1469789-kids-gone-phishing-baker-s-brooklyn/ July 15th: Whitney Kids Summer Family Day at the Whitney Museum of Art, 10:30am – 3pm. Immerse yourself in movement at Whitney Kids Summer Family Day! Explore moveable sculptures in Calder: Hypermobility and interactive installations in Hélio Oiticica: To Organize Delirium. Join us for gallery activities, artmaking workshops, and a special Samba performance and dance party. You can also pick up a free Kids Activity or Audio Guide. Buy your admission ticket online in advance to save $. http://whitney.org/Events/Summer2017FamilyDay July 16th and 30th: Music In The Grove at Fort Greene Park, 11am-12pm: Free. On July 16th: Kids Concert W/ Rozz And Val Show.The Brooklyn-based high-energy duo Rozz & Val Show is coming to Fort Greene for an extra fun Sunday! http://www.fortgreenepark.org/events/2017/5/31/music-in-the-grove-kids-concert-w-suzi-shelton-sng5r-bms53. And on July 30th: Kids Concert With Hopalong Andrew. Come listen to some upbeat, urban cowboy tunes brought to you by Hopalong Andrew, a former Central Park Ranger! Bring your blanket and set it down by the trees just south of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument for this free concert catered to children 0-8 years old. http://www.fortgreenepark.org/events/2017/5/31/music-in-the-grove-kids-concert-w-suzi-shelton-sng5r-bms53-rwsck-9m35n July 30th: Member’s Night for Children and Sunset Picnic, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, 6:30pm-8pm. For members only (great reason to join prior)! Join the fun-loving bluegrass band Astrograss for an evening of singing and dancing, especially for the kids in your life! BBG educators will also be on hand with a special planting activity. https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/members_night_for_children Sundays through October: Smorgasburg, Breeze Hill in Prospect Park, 11am – 6pm. Find 100 vendors and food from all over the world every Sunday at Breeze Hill, located near Lakeside and the park’s Lincoln Road entrance. Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance. Dog friendly. Rain or shine. Here is a list of the top 10 foods you might need to try this year: http://bbook.com/nightlife/10-things-you-need-to-eat-at-smorgasburg-2017/ Saturdays through 8/26: Kayaking In Brooklyn Bridge Park, 10am-3pm. For those with older kids, this is a fun adventure waiting for you! Free. Location: Pier 2. Glide along the water while kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 2 floating dock! Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. All levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. There are doubles for one adult and no more than one child under 14 (or paddler that needs assistance). http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/kayaking Thursdays – Sundays through October: Makeryard, Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights): Inspired by adventure playgrounds, MakerYard, Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s newest exhibition, invites children to test their motor skills and imaginations as they construct, build, and invent structures and other creations using everyday materials such as cardboard, tape, fabric, string and recyclables. Parents and caregivers are invited to sit back and let children explore independently, or work collaboratively to create together. http://www.brooklynkids.org/visiting-exhibits/ Posted by Jen Valu
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Photo of Shipwrecked Miniature Golf, by Sai Mokhtari
OK…it’s starting to get hot, and it’s only going to get hotter. You’re in your little (hopefully) air conditioned apartment wondering how you and your family will be able to play and enjoy your day without melting into a puddle. You’re sick of the local playground water feature and need a change. What to do??? Here are some ideas, including awesome public pools and for those SUPER hot days…indoor play spaces! Shipwrecked Miniature Golf: Right in our back yard of Red Hook, take the family out for a fun day of miniature golf (perhaps followed by a seafood lunch at Brooklyn Crab – also in Red Hook)! This place is indoor, has 18 holes and even theatrical lighting and special effects as you travel through the different themed areas of the course! They also host singers, magicians, jugglers and more. 621 Court St, 2nd Floor. http://www.shipwreckednyc.com/ City Treehouse: For those who are adventurous and are willing to take your child into Manhattan, check out the City Treehouse. Inside this play area is an interactive water play, a treehouse themed indoor play area, even a cavern illuminated by stars! It’s in Chelsea at 129A W 20th St. (between 6th and 7th Ave), Manhattan. http://www.citytreehouse.com/ Lefrak at Lakeside: You probably know about the amazing splash pad with 41 jets (AMAZING)…but, have you considered the other activities here? Rollerskating of course… and what about renting a single or double surrey bike for your family, and go explore Prospect Park? OR, go on a pedal boat where they allow one lap child. You could spend an entire day here, there is so much fun to be had! http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/#page-content Brooklyn Public Pools: There are a plethora of free public pools right here in Brooklyn. A few of the favorites are the Red Hook Pool, the Sunset Park Pool, the Brooklyn Bridge Pop-up Pool and the Double D Pool in Gowanus. Remember to read all of the rules before planning your trip (check out “Know Before You Go” section here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools) The NY Transit Museum: This underground super COOL museum is where you can sit on a vintage car, sit at the wheel of a city bus and check out a real subway platform and tracks with cars from different times in history. The interactive exhibits are so exciting for the little ones. Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Street in downtown Brooklyn. http://www.nytransitmuseum.org/ NY Beaches: Of course there is Coney Island, but how about Jacob Riis in Queens? There’s a playground, concession stand and a boardwalk. Or maybe try Cedar Grove Beach in Staten Island, known as the cleanest of the Staten Island beaches. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/best-beaches SeaGlass Carousel: Pretend you’re underwater and check out the new SeaGlass Carousel, where you sit on an iridescent fish, instead of a horse – and “swim” up and around in all different directions. It’s amazing and such a quick subway ride on the R to Battery Park. http://www.seaglasscarousel.nyc/ American Museum of Natural History: Check out those dinosaurs and explore and discover in the “Discovery Room”, where kids can dig for dinosaur bones or search for animals in a baobab tree. Microscopes, animals and other fun things are there for your child to explore. There’s even a story time here on Monday mornings for preschoolers! http://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/pre-k-to-grade-2 NYC Water Taxi: Thinking about going into Manhattan with the family? Instead of the usual subway ride, get a little creative and take your family on the NYC water taxi from Red Hook into Wall Street! Best part…it’s free on Saturdays and Sundays. See the beautiful views of the NYC skyline while you cool off in the summer breeze. After, head over to Pearl Street where you will find several restaurants with outdoor seating. https://www.nywatertaxi.com/ikea While you’re at it, treat yourself to a gelato or an ice cream. The best ice cream in town can be found at Ample Hills Creamery, which has a location in Gowanus that includes a rooftop deck with chairs! And check out L’Albero Dei Gelati in the Slope for some incredibly yummy gelato. Bring on the heat, this can also be the most fun time of the year here in Brooklyn. Enjoy!!! Posted by Jen Valu Let’s all agree, this isn’t the most lively time of the year. It’s cold, the excitement of the holidays is over, and the Spring seems so far away in the distance. The sun, if it’s out, isn’t warming us as much as we want it to. The playground is not usually the best option, unless we want to freeze and listen to our kids complain they are cold. So…what do we do? How about sampling some of the best hot chocolate NYC has to offer…or try out some origami? Here are ideas which are fun for ALL of us (parents included)!
If you’d like to stay warm indoors… * Try out the best hot chocolates Park Slope has to offer…Le Pain de Quotidien on 5th Ave let’s your child swirl the dark chocolate syrup into the frothy milk themselves (what kid doesn’t LOVE to mix everything)! There’s also The Chocolate Room and Colson Patisserie, both serve up a yummy cup of chocolate goodness. * Check out the Brooklyn Children’s Museum pop-up exhibit, Industry City, at 274 36th Street in Sunset Park. Through February 26th you’ll be able to check out an interactive art exhibit, which will ask kids what it takes to create a happy and healthy neighborhood. There are interactive programs for families with children 1-8 YO. Thurs-Sun. Free! * Go to a book reading at Powerhouse or Barnes and Noble in the Slope! * Try your luck at bowling at Melody Lanes in Sunset Park or Family Bowl on Saturdays at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. A major draw for Brooklyn Bowl is that you can enjoy some of the best fried chicken around, brought to you by Blue Ribbon. It’s SO good. * Get crafty at Taro’s Origami Studio at 95 7th Avenue, between Union and President. Follow directions on touch-screen tablets (fun for the little ones) or learn from the staff. Make your origami flowers, spaceship or whatever you choose – and decorate with stamps and paint! * Check out a new puppet show at Puppetworks, right here in our hood of Park Slope. Through April 9th, Puss in Boots will be performed! Based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 French Fantasy, with an original score. * Get that energy out at Bounce U, about a fifteen minute drive from Park Slope on 67th St and 9th Ave. $16 per kid, reservation required (remember to bring socks). There is a “preschool playdate” for kids 7 and under: * How about a little culture to brighten up that dreary cold day? BAM offers theater and film with kids in mind. On February 19th at 2pm check out a matinee of “Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown” about Charlie Brown and the gang traveling to Europe for fun and adventure. And for a live theatrical performance, check out Do Not Disturb (2/11-2/12), about factory workers assembling a giant wheel – combining dance, physical theater and a clown! Ages 6+. If you want to brave it and have fun outdoors… * The Prospect Park Zoo is open year-round! You can go celebrate the “Year of the Rooster” 2/11 – 2/12 from 11am-4pm. There will be puppet performances, a scavenger hunt, fortune cookies and a calligraphy workshop! * Also in Prospect Park, go ice skating at the Lefrak Center at Lakeside! There’s even a skate school and a hockey program if your child is interested. Grab a hot beverage after at the cafe! * The next time it snows, have a plan as to where you are going to sled! There of course is the big hill at 9th street in Prospect Park, but there are other spots in Fort Greene and Bay Ridge. Check this list for top sledding spots in NYC. Posted by Jen Valu It’s that wonderful time of year where many of us are so lucky to be able to spend more time with our families. With school closed, we have to keep both us and our children busy with fun and engaging activities. This gives us a chance to do things we otherwise might not have time to do – like baking, doing charity work and fun craft projects. If we’re lucky enough, perhaps we’ll see a little powder and be able to enjoy sledding on the 9th Street hill in Prospect Park!
Here are a few ideas to keep you all busy during this time of year. 1) Cooking & Baking: * We recently updated our Pinterest Page with several festive meals, snacks and sweets that are kid-friendly (some are even healthy)!!! Who knows…maybe if you dress up your veggies to look like a Christmas tree, your child will want to eat them?! It’s worth a shot! https://www.pinterest.com/drcaoparkslope/fun-holiday-recipes/ * Here is a link to fruit-filled holiday dessert recipes that your child can help you with, and doesn’t require the use of an oven: http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Fruit-Filled-Holiday-Desserts-42609490#photo-42609527 * For non-holiday themed recipes that are great year-round, I love the recipes in Pretend Soup and Salad People, both which are for preschoolers and up. The popovers are a huge hit in this house! 2) Charity Work: We recently shared a blog about the different charities we can get involved with in the NYC area (http://www.southslopepediatrics.com/blog/giving/). Now we’d like to share the charities that South Slope Pediatrics is working with, in hopes that we can get our SSP families involved in as well. This is a great way to teach our children about how this season is about giving and helping others! * Jonah’s Just Begun: Dr. Cao’s best little friend Jonah is suffering from a very rare disease, San Filippo Syndrome, and needs our help to fund research to save his life. Let’s help raise money to find a cure!!! Donate here: https://app.mobilecause.com/form/vCJQEw * Toys for Tots: We have a box out in our lobby and are collecting all new toys and books, which will be given to children in need. This cause is very special to Dr. Cao as they helped his own family when he was a child. Please come by and make a donation if you can! * Little Essentials: We will also have a box in our lobby for Little Essentials, a Brooklyn based charity who helps children living in poverty by providing urgently needed resources and parenting education to families in crisis. Please stop by with any new book or toy and help this local cause! * Love in a Safety Pin: Dr. Cao and your SSP Team has recently embarked in a courageous journey to ensure that our values of inclusion, tolerance, kindness and LOVE stay strong. We have declared South Slope Pediatrics a safe haven for those who might find themselves harassed or bullied on the streets of Park Slope. Please, join us by claiming your Love in a Safety Pin free sticker and by donating what you can to our campaign so we can produce and mail the stickers to the rest of the country. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/love-in-a-safety-pin 3) Crafts: Looking for fun indoor activities during this cold weather that spark a bit of creativity? Here are links to easier crafts that the smaller ones can get into: http://www.parenting.com/gallery/christmas-crafts-kids From felt snowmen to deer made of cardboard to traditional cut-out snowflakes, there are plenty of crafts on this list (26 in total)! http://mylifeandkids.com/25-fun-easy-holiday-crafts-kids/ 25 holiday crafts including fingerprint christmas lights, santa beards, santa slime and shredded paper snowmen! http://www.emmaowl.com/reindeer-footprint-christmas-cards-all-you-need-is-a-shiny-nose/#_a5y_p=4586085 Footprint Reindeer Cards…genius. http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/11/shivery-snow-paint-recipe.html Icy Cold Snow Paint – this looks like a lot of (messy) fun! http://handsonaswegrow.com/28-winter-crafts-kids/ Handprint penguins, puffy paint polar bear faces and snowy owl pine cones are a few of the 28 winter crafts you can try. And…let’s just say you’re exhausted from all of these activities and you need a little down time. Maybe a holiday show is a way to relax and cuddle with our little ones! Here are a few favorites for kids 3 and up: * A Charlie Brown Christmas * Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer * Frosty the Snowman * Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah * Merry Christmas, Olivia * Curious George, a Very Monkey Christmas * Mickey’s Christmas Carol * Shalom, Sesame: Chanukah Special * Dora’s Christmas Carol * Elmo’s Christmas Countdown HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!! Activities, at home, Holidays Leave a Comment Posted on December 16th, 2016 Posted by Jen Valu Check out these fun family events that will surely help get you into the holiday spirit. From family-friendly holiday themed shows like The Nutcracker, Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas and a Charlie Brown’s Christmas Live…to train shows at Grand Central and the NY Botanical Garden…from an Ice Spectacular Show at Lefrak to meet and greets with Santa himself right here on 5th Ave in Park Slope, there are many ways to celebrate and share the joy with our little ones!
* 15th Annual Holiday Train Show in Grand Central (Grand Central Station, Manhattan): November 14th – February 26th. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat and Sun 10am-6pm. This year’s Holiday Train Show display will feature a 34-foot-long “O gauge” model train layout with Lionel’s model Metro-North, New York Central, and vintage subway trains running on eight separate loops of track, against a backdrop featuring graphics celebrating the Museum’s 40th anniversary by artist Julia Rothman. http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/event/15th-annual-holiday-train-show/2145462112 * Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas (Vital Theatre, 152 W. 71st St): November 19th – December 31st, Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. Based on the NY Times bestselling picture book by Jane O’Connor. What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, Nancy has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She can’t wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? http://fancynancychristmaslive.com/ 1 hr long. * Holiday Train Show (NY Botanical Gardens, Bronx): From November 19th – January 16th. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track.Explore a winter wonderland across our 250 acres with special tours, a cappela performances, Winter Harmonies Concerts, a poetry reading with recently named NYBG poet laureate, Billy Collins, and activities for kids. http://www.nybg.org/hts16/ * Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (Manhattan): 9am on November 24th. The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, cheerleaders, clowns, marching bands, theater and Broadway in New York performances and celebs is one of the best NYC events in November. Read up here for recommended viewing areas: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/events-festivals/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade * Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar (501 Union, Gowanus): November 26th and 27th, 11am – 6pm. Free admission. Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar is a unique annual event that showcases the best of Brooklyn under one beautiful roof. The 4th edition will be packed with fine handmade goods, food, drinks, music, craft activities and more good times on Thanksgiving weekend. http://brooklynholidaybazaar.com/ * Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting (Rockefeller Center, Manhattan): The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The 2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 30, with live performances from 7–9pm, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats-happening/2016/11/30/2016-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree- lighting/ * Charlie Brown Christmas Live (ShapeShifter Lab, 18 Whitewell Place, Brooklyn): Fri, Sat and Sun, Dec 2nd – 11th. Performance of the classic Charlie Brown Christmas special word for word and gesture for gesture. Jazz trio will play the iconic Vince Guaraldi score. For show times and details, go to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2698281 * Santa on 5th (several locations on 5th Ave, Park Slope on Dec 3rd, 10th and 17th): Ho ho ho! Santa will be making appearances at 3 different locations on our very own 5th Ave during the month of September. Eat, Drink and spend locally – while saying hi to our friend visiting from the North Pole! Strolling carolers will be making an appearance as well. http://parkslopefifthavenuebid.com/event/here-comes-santa-clause-first-visit-of-three/ * The Colonial Nutcracker at the Walt Whitman Theater (Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Rd, Brooklyn): December 11th, 2pm. An annual holiday favorite, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. 2hrs, 10 min including a 15 min intermission. Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets: $15. http://www.brooklyncenter.org/buy-tickets/calendar-of-events/view/The-Colonial-Nutcracker/ * Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan): The Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2016 literally kicks off the holiday season in NYC. Since 1933, the tap dancers, flying Santa and of course the Rockettes have put on one of the city’s most classic Christmas spectacles. If The Nutcracker from New York City Ballet is too stuffy and doesn’t have enough camels onstage for you, this show is the one to see. https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/ * Tree Lighting Party (Greenwood Park, Park Slope): December 7th from 6pm- close. The “biggest tree in Brooklyn”! Tree, wreaths, and decorations will be for sale in the holiday market. Bring the family to meet Santa – there will be hot coca, cider, food and drink specials! http://greenwoodparkbk.com/blog/events/holiday-tree-lighting-party/ * Ice Spectacular (Lakeside @ Lefrak Center, Prospect Park): December 18th, from 5:30 – 6:45pm. This annual winter show is FREE to watch and features figure skating solos, duets, and group numbers. Group number registration includes three half-hour rehearsals on Sundays before the show as well as skate rental, show accessories, and keepsake programs on performance days. Register in advance online or in person, limited space available. $40 for one (1) event, $60 for two (2) events. http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/event/ice-spectacular-winter/ Activities, Holidays, Local events, Park Slope From the moment I met Dr. Wilson-Taylor I knew she was a perfect fit for the practice. So warm and personable, caring and kind. A smile that welcomes us and makes us feel confident that we are in the best of care. A presence that makes us feel safe and calm. Many of us have gotten to know her as the awesome doctor our child is lucky enough to see, but we ALL want to know more!!!! Let’s learn about her in this month’s interview.
SSP: Can you tell us a little about where you grew up and your path to becoming a pediatrician? I was born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor since I was in elementary school. I did a few science programs in high school and only became more fascinated in the sciences and health professions. Even though I felt passionate about being a pediatrician, I kept my mind open throughout medical school. I always found myself playing with children of my adult patients, or taking care of the newborn after a delivery and knew that providing care for children was my true passion. SSP: Tell us a little about your family, I understand you are a mom of 2? I am a first-generation American born. My parents are from the West Indies. My son is 9 and my daughter is 7. They are the reason I switched from academic pediatrics at Cornell to private practice here at South Slope. I wanted to be closer to home so that I could spend more time with them during their formative years. I have been married for 12 years to my childhood sweetheart. SSP: As parents we are always striving for a somewhat unattainable word “balance”. How do you try to maintain balance as a doctor AND mom? This “balance” is very tricky for working families. A couple of years ago, I made a list of ALL the activities that I do, their importance and how much time I spend on each one. It made me re-prioritize different aspects of my life, which led me to join the SSP family. It allows me a chance to be a professional and still make time to get home each night and spend time with children, finish up homework and still take them to activities on the weekend. SSP: How has being a parent affected your perspective on being a pediatrician? I know many great pediatricians that don’t have children, but being parent does give me a chance to take a step back and put myself in the shoes of the families of my patients. I realize the way pediatricians talk with families and patients is just as important as the diagnosis being made. I try to take my time and make sure parents understand why I am prescribing a specific treatment and are able to make informed decisions to best take care of their child. SSP: When you aren’t busy being a mom and a pediatrician, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spare time…I like to cook and am working on my gardening skills. I enjoy fitness and try to get to a cardiokick class once a week and do workout videos at home. SSP: What is the aspect of being a doctor that brings you the most happiness? Whether its an infant with a cold or more life-altering moments, to be a constant support and sounding board for a family brings great joy. As a pediatrician, in just a few minutes, I can tell whether a child is really ill and to be able to tell a parent that their child is “fine” can put them at ease. By our very own Jen #supermom
For all of you first time parents or those new to the area, we thought it might be helpful to share some of our favorite shops and places to go to for kids-related needs in Park Slope. Here are some choice spots in the neighborhood! Best Baby-Everything Store: * Lullaby (488 5th Ave): The best of the best in baby gear, furniture, bedding, bath/potty, feeding and toys, this is the place to go. Yossi, the store owner, is super kind, knowledgable and helpful. It’s almost impossible to walk out of this store without buying at least one item that wasn’t on your original purchase list! http://lullabybaby.com/ Best Toy Stores: * Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store (232 5th Ave): Filled with a variety of novelty items, this store has a great selection of toys for kids – from stuffed animals to crafts to classics like Etch-a-Sketch. Check out their online store for a glimpse at some of the unique kids & baby products they carry (who wouldn’t want a rainbow unicorn horn headband)??? https://blueribbongeneralstore.com/product-category/kids-baby/ * Neergaard (454 5th Ave): This store has a wide variety of toys for the kids, with quite an extensive selection of action figures for the bigger ones. Situated on the 2nd floor above Neergaard pharmacy, you will find legos, crafts, games and more. https://neergaardtoys.com/product-category/toys/ * Toy Space (426 7th Ave): A more affordable place to shop, this store is easily navigated with sections divided by age. This small store has quite a large selection of toys, from tablets to science kits – so many options for gifts that your child will play with and learn from. https://toyspaceny.com/ Best Kids Shoe Stores: * A Shoe Grows in Brooklyn (419 7th Ave): This has always been my go-to store to find my daughter shoes. They are super helpful in regards to finding a shoe that meets you/your child’s needs…and your child can have fun in the play area while you navigate your way through the super cute options! http://www.ashoegrows.com/ * Windsor’s World of Shoes (484 5th Ave): Although the customer service isn’t as top notch as A Shoe Grows in Brooklyn, this store carries quite a large selection of kids shoes. It’s helpful to know what you’re looking for (brand, style) before going in. http://www.yelp.com/biz/windsors-world-of-shoes-park-slope Best Kids Clothing Stores: * Hiho Batik (184 5th Ave): A most unique store, Hiho offers 100% cotton apparel featuring one-of-a-kind designs made ONSITE at the Brooklyn store for babies, kids and adults. While there you can batik your own item (takes roughly an hour, and they highly recommend calling in advance to ensure there is space). http://www.hihobatik.com/ * Pink Olive (167 5th Ave): A super stylish boutique, this shop is full of beautiful and unique apparel, accessories and novelty gifts for babies. High end (and $$$), this is a great place to buy that memorable gift for the special wee one in your life. https://pinkolive.com/ * Meshimar (433 7th Ave): A consignment shop for both young and old, this small shop can often carry super cute (high quality) children’s second hand clothes. Can’t even count how many times I’ve complimented someone on their child’s outfit to find out it was purchased here! http://www.yelp.com/biz/meshimar-brooklyn Best Kids Haircut: * LuLu’s Cuts & Toys (48 5th Ave): This is a super popular and favorite amongst Park Slope parents, where your very youngest will survive a haircut (and beg to come back)! Children receive a balloon, lollipop and get to watch their DVD of choice. If it’s the first haircut, they present you with a 1st haircut certificate and a lock of hair. They can even sit in a special train chair. Quite the experience!!! * Slope Cuts (498 7th Ave): With booster seats and one kids “car” chair, this salon gets high ratings from parents. A TV screen with cartoons to help distract and entertain your child and barbers known to be both kind and patient, this salon is great for the little ones to the “bigger” little ones! http://www.yelp.com/biz/slope-cuts-brooklyn Please feel free to comment and add any suggestions that we may have accidentally left off or perhaps are unaware of! Posted on July 25th, 2015 Posted by Matteo |
Jen Valu
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