ML Interest Tag: manhattan

Dive In: NYC’s Free Outdoor Pools Are Open!

by Mimi O'Connor

Great news! NYC’s free outdoor swimming pools are among the many, many things that are reopening for the summer 2021 season. The outdoor pool season starts June 26 and runs to September 12. NYC is home to numerous free, public pools — including the pool from that In the Heights scene. Whether you want to just splash around or work on swimming skills with your kids, there’s a pool for you. Here are the best outdoor pools in NYC where you can beat the heat free of charge this summer.

Know Before You Go

Malcom Pinckney/NYC Parks

Before we tell you the top pools, here's what you need to know about swimming at NYC pools this summer. Outdoor pool hours are free and open to the public from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., with a break for pool cleaning between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Early morning and late night adult lap swim hours are also available at some locations.

In the past, the city has offered free swimming lessons through the Learn to Swim program. It is still being determined if the program will take place in 2021. More info is available here.

Be Cool, Know the Rules: New York City Public Pool Rules

Wei J. via Yelp

Before you head to one of the pools to take a quick dip, be sure to read all of the rules carefully—and be prepared to take them seriously. Staff is on hand checking all pool guests to make sure they adhere to the rules, and they are not messing around. First, masks are required everywhere except in the pool, and don't be surprised if you have to show your padlock and bathing suit before they'll let you in.

Other rules include:

Only white tees are allowed in the pool (over the top of suits), no water toys or floatation devices are allowed, and you must take a shower in the locker room before entering the pool.

Don't plan on taking more than the essentials (towels, goggles, sunscreen) on the pool deck. Beach chairs, baby strollers bags, blankets, beach balls, phones and cameras are all prohibited on the pool deck.

Despite all the rules, we promise a dip in a public pool can be a fun, mini vacation when the mercury rises in NYC. (For a full list of every free NYC pool, head here.)

Cool Pools: New & Improved Spots to Splish & Splash

NYC Parks

In recent years, the city has rolled out the "Cool Pools." These pools haven't undergone improvements since the 1970s, and are located in under-served areas (one in each borough). The pools are spruced up with more green plantings, fun summer wall art, cabana-style structures for shade, and lounge chairs. The most recent batch of Cool Pools can be found here:

• Claremont Pool in the Bronx
• Commodore Barry Pool in Brooklyn
• Dry Dock Pool in Manhattan
• Wagner Pool in Manhattan
• Liberty Pool in Queens
• Tottenville Pool on Staten Island

Our Favorite Free NYC Pools

Red Hook: Sol Goldman Pool

This Olympic-sized pool is near a recreation center, ball fields, IKEA and cafes. Make a day trip of it and stuff yourself after your swim at a food truck (during the summer they usually park at the edge of the park), or try a hipster cafe on Van Brunt Street.

Insider Tip: This pool is usually a lot quieter than most public pools and includes a large splash area perfect for toddlers. Get there early and you can even score one of the few provided lounge chairs.

Go:
Sol Goldman Pool
155 Bay St. btwn Clinton and Henry
Red Hook, Brooklyn
Nearest transportation: Smith - 9 Streets Station (F, G)

Washington Heights: Highbridge Pool

Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

Yes, you too can frolic in the massive pool seen in the film In the Heights. Highbridge Pool is part of the larger Highbridge Park, which gets its name from the historic bridge that connects Manhattan and the Bronx. There's an Olympic pool and a wading pool here, and the park itself, part of a $150 million effort to upgrade five neighborhoods parks in the city, includes athletic courts, a rec center, playgrounds a skate park and more. 

Go: Highbridge Pool
Amsterdam Ave & 173rd St. 
Washington Heights
212-927-2400
Nearest transportation: A  or 1 train to 168th Street

Greenpoint: McCarren Park Pool

NYC Parks

Another Olympic-size pool, Greenpoint’s McCarren Pool is located in the 35-acre McCarren Park. After being closed for a couple of decades in the 80s and 90s, the pool became a spot for concerts and events. In 2012 it re-opened as a public pool, with the bathhouse and dramatic entry arch preserved.

Go: McCarren Park Pool
Greenpoint
776 Lorimer St.
Nearest transportation: Bedford Avenue or Lorimer Station (L), Metropolitan Avenue Station (G)

Astoria: Astoria Park Pool

NYC Parks

Astoria Park has the largest pool in New York City, at 330-feet long. As well as the main, Olympic-sized pool and diving pool, you'll also find a wading pool here.

Insider Tip: They have a great area for kids where you'll also find sprinklers. This pool has lounge chairs for use if you can find one free.

Go:
Astoria Park Pool
19th St. and 23rd Dr.
Astoria, Queens
Nearest transportation: Astoria Blvd Station, Astoria-Ditmars Blvd Station (N, Q)

Upper East Side: John Jay Pool

Image courtesy of Thom H. via Yelp

For Uptown Manhattanites, this is the go-to pool, and not surprisingly it's packed with families. Besides having a 145-foot pool and a special diving area (a rare public pool find), the recreation area also boasts a playground wth a "rivers edge" theme: you'll find a Whitehall row boat to play in, an elevated sand table, a water play area, wavy decks and a climbing net.

Insider Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the pool opens if you're braving a weekend here. Prep the kids before you go, that you might not actually get to go swimming. Lines can get ridiculously long here.

Go:
John Jay Pool
East of York Ave. on 77th St.
Upper East Side
Nearest transportation:  77th St. Station (6)

Staten Island: Lyons Pool

One of 11 Olympic-sized pools built in 1936, Lyons Pool is known for its distinctive chimney feature, which is a well-known Staten Island landmark. From the top of the recreation center you can see Downtown Brooklyn.

Insider Tip: This is one of the few pools with a diving pool. It also features a wading pool for kiddos to enjoy.

Go:
Lyons Pool
6 Victory Blvd
Staten Island
Nearest transportation: Tompkinsville Station (SIR)

Lower East Side: Hamilton Fish Park

NYC Parks

This beautiful pool is an oasis of calm and cleanliness on the Lower East Side. It has such a great reputation that the U.S. Olympic Team used it for practice sessions on their way to the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Insider Tip: The locker rooms don't have benches to sit on or to place your things, while you get ready, so be prepared to juggle. There also isn't much in the way of deck furniture, so bring a large towel or picnic blanket to sit on if you're planning on hanging around for a while.

Go:
Hamilton Fish Park 
Pitt St. and Houston St.
Lower East Side
Nearest transportation: Essex St Station (J, M, Z), Delancey St Station (F), 2 Av Station (F)

Bronx: Van Cortlandt Park Pool

NYC Parks

The largest non-Olympic sized public pool in NYC (it’s 164-feet long), Van Cortlandt Park Pool is edged by trees, a rarity in NYC!

Insider Tip: Expect a long line to get in, but don't be put off by the hordes of people — there's enough room inside for everyone. Want to beat the queue? Plan to get there an hour before it opens.

Go:
Van Cortlandt Park Pool
6000 Broadway and 242 St.
Bronx
Nearest transportation: Van Cortlandt Park - 242nd St. (1)

— Christine Knight & Julie Seguss

Unless otherwise noted, images courtesy of NYC Parks

Cover photo: David F. via Yelp

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Surf’s Up: NYC’s Best Free Beaches

by Cheryl de Jong-Lambert

NYC beaches officially opened May 29 and will stay that way until September, 12, 2021. (“Open” means lifeguards are on duty. You’ll find them keeping watch from 10 a.m.-6 pm.) The following NYC beaches are free, and even better—are all accessible by subway. Of course, you can drive there, too, just be prepared to pay for parking. Grab some towels, some sunscreen and have fun!

Beach Basics

Mimi O'Connor

The NYC Parks Department maintains 14 miles of beaches, all of which are traditionally open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

As mentioned, you can access all of these beaches via public transportation. If you're driving, parking varies (street parking, lots, etc.); you can access parking info for individual beaches at the NYC Parks site here. (Details on individual beach pages.) Keep in mind that parking in a beach lot can be pricey

Coney Island in Brooklyn

Mimi O'Connor

Over the past decade, Coney Island has undergone a renaissance and renovation that makes it our first go-to beach of the summer. The beach is wide and deep with a series of large, new restroom stations at regular intervals. Each year, the food options get more diverse and the quality improves, with Nathan's Famous hot dogs holding center court. The expansive boardwalk is also home to Luna Park amusement pier as well as legendary rides such as Deno's Wonder Wheel (which celebrated 100 years in 2020) and of course, the Cyclone roller coaster. In short, there is something here for everyone!

For more fun: The fantastic New York Aquarium is down the boardwalk, and the Coney Island Art Walls also make a great stop for photos. For a special treat, keep the kids up late and stay for the fireworks display every Friday night starting at about 9:30 p.m. Shows start the last weekend in June and run through August.

Getting there: Take the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue, or from Manhattan, the X28 or X38 express bus. Travel time is about 45 minutes from midtown.

Brighton Beach in Brooklyn

Sari Marissa G. via Yelp

About a mile down the boardwalk from Coney Island—past the New York Aquarium, which was largely rebuilt following Hurricane Sandy—lies Brighton Beach, of "memoirs" fame. Despite the proximity the Coney, these two beaches offer up entirely different experiences. There are no rides to be had at Brighton Beach, but there is a playground on the beach, and another nearby. (Still: eagle-eyed children can spot Deno's Wonder Wheel from a mile away!) The food offerings are decidedly more unified: mostly ethnic Russian cuisine, all of which is outstanding. We recommend Tatiana's, which is right on the boardwalk.

For more fun: Bring a Russian-English dictionary and allow enough time to shop for pierogies, kielbasa, pickled herring, and other exotic picnic fare in the Russian stores that line Brighton Beach Avenue, under the elevated subway tracks.

Getting there: Take the B or Q to Brighton Beach for a 45-minute ride from midtown.

Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn

via Rory Q. on Yelp  

Lying further east along Brooklyn's waterfront is Manhattan Beach which is the quietest and least crowded of them all. With mainland streets that are zoned entirely residential and filled with mostly large, single-family homes with lawns, you may have to remind yourself that you are still within city limits. You can bring your own picnic provisions on any city beach, and that's exactly what you should do when heading here.

For more fun: If your kids need a break from the buckets and sand toys, and you need a break from watching them at water's edge, head to one of two large playgrounds at either end of this beach. There are also basketball and tennis courts to be found here.

Getting there: Take the B or Q to Brighton Beach then walk due east along the boardwalk until the very end. Travel time is about 45 minutes from midtown.

Far Rockaway in Queens

Esmerelda C. via Yelp

Far Rockaway has a residential beach town feel that is reminiscent of some Jersey Shore towns. Home to the city's only official surf spot at 90 Street, the beaches are generally quieter and less crowded. For sustenance, Rippers, right on the beach at 86 Street, has reliably good, simple food, beer, wine, and hip music.

For more fun: Who needs California when you can learn to surf in Queens? The Rockaway Beach Surf Camp offers week-long programs for children and adults. 

Getting there: Take the Far Rockaway-bound A train to Broad Channel and transfer to the S line to B 90 Street/Holland. Travel time is about an hour from midtown. You can also take the ferry! Board at Pier 11 in downtown Manhattan or at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in sunset Park. Click here for schedule.

Orchard Beach in the Bronx

photo: Dan Deluca via Flickr

Nestled into the Long Island Sound, the waves at Orchard Beach are gentle and warm—excellent for young children. The wide, crescent-shaped beach gets decidedly less crowded the further north you go.  The well-curated Nature Center on site has rangers on hand to answer questions and lead programs throughout Pelham Bay Park, which is where the beach is located. There are also playgrounds and ball courts along the boardwalk, and shaded picnic areas between the beach and the parking lot. There are typical park food vendors, but we recommend packing a picnic.

For more fun: Three times the size of Central Park, Pelham Bay Park includes miles of hiking trails throughout its woods, and they start right at the boardwalk. The nearby Bronx Equestrian Center also offers pony rides and trail rides on horses; take the Bx29 bus or walk about 20 minutes to get there.

Getting there: Take the 6 to Pelham Bay and transfer to the Bx12 bus. The trip takes about an hour from midtown Manhattan.

Jacob Riis in Queens

Michael K. via Yelp

Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Jacob Riis beach is run by the New York Harbor Parks (rather than the NYC Parks Department). With gentle waves and a long, shallow waterway out to the deeper surf, this is a great place to come with younger children, thanks to a playground on the beach, miniature golf, and a variety of ranger-led nature programs. Concession trucks selling an eclectic array of eats dot the parking lot behind the beach.

For more fun: Food, shopping, and entertainment are all part of the experience here now, thanks to the Riis Park Beach Bazaar (from the folks behind the night market Brooklyn Bazaar). Fort Tilden is also nearby if you're looking to explore. 

Getting there: Take the 2 train to Flatbush Avenue, then the Q35 bus to the beach. (Travel time is a little more than an hour from midtown Manhattan.) The New York Beach Ferry  also provides summer service to the beach.

—Cheryl de Jong-Lambert & Mimi O’Connor

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American Girl Vacations Sound Like Our Best Trip Idea Yet

by Sarah Shebek

We’re big fans of all things American Girl and now you have a new way to immerse yourself in the world of the characters: American Girl Vacations! Brought to you by Academic Travel Abroad, you can travel to Hawaii and enter the life of Nanea, or New York and step back in time with Rebecca. The trips span 6-7 days and are packed with activities and experiences sure to delight your doll lover.

Rebecca’s New York trip is scheduled for December in New York City. In your six days, you’ll join a sewing class to learn about the Jewish principle of mitzvah, see The Nutcracker live and explore the Museum of Moving image at a private after-hours party. You’ll also get to try some of the city’s iconic eats, like sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen and frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III. All accommodations are included, in this case, a stay at a four-star hotel in Manhattan. And a professional on-site host will help you make the most of your time in the Big Apple.

Nanea’s Hawaii trip is also slated for December in Oahu. Scheduled for seven days, you’ll get to learn the art of hula dancing, care for pups at the humane society and enjoy a private tour of Pearl Harbor. You can try your hand at making shave ice, explore a rain forest and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. Don’t forget the luau celebration! You’ll stay at a four-star hotel on Waikiki Beach and also be treated to a professional on-site host.

Space for both trips is limited to 25, but if you miss the first two there are more to come! The trips have flexible cancelation policies and enlist a professional travel team to help with questions regarding flights, extra accommodations and COVID-19 protocols. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember!

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of American Girl 

 

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These Are the Friendliest Cities to Visit in 2021

by Erica Loop

Where are the friendliest places to travel? Even though masks may hide smiles, plenty of places are still filled with friendly faces—and Expedia has ranked them for you, based on user experiences.

The travel pros at Expedia sorted through reviews to find the highest number of friendly-factor mentions. Associated words and linguistic connections such as “friendly, friendliest, amiable” landed some cities at the top of Expedia’s list.

photo: Rodnae Productions via Pexels

Now that you’re ready to pack the family up and head out on your first getaway of the year, it’s time to pick a destination. If friendliness is an important factor, you have plenty of travel destinations to choose from. The top 10 friendliest cities, based on Expedia user reviews include:

  1. Whitefish, Montana
  2. Sister Bay, Wisconsin
  3. Manitou Springs, Colorado
  4. Easton, Maryland
  5. Lihue, Hawaii
  6. Sierra Vista, Arizona
  7. Kennebunkport, Maine
  8. Chincoteague, Virginia
  9. Ogunquit, Maine
  10. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Along with these friendly cities, other top 20 honors went to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Kahului, Hawaii, Alamogordo, New Mexico, Manhattan, New York, Kapa’a, Hawaii, Bar Harbor, Maine, Grants Pass, Oregon, Deadwood, South Dakota, Hilo, Hawaii and Aspen, Colorado.

—Erica Loop

 

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Boos You Can Use: NYC’s Best Halloween Displays

by Mimi O'Connor

Whether you’re heading out, or staying in for Halloween 2020, the citizens of New York City are still bringing it with over-the-top and amazing Halloween decorations. From gorgeous and festive to creepy or campy, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites—that of course, you can “tour” from the comfort of your living room. (Still looking for ideas on what to do for Halloween? Check out these!)

Creepy in Kensington

Mimi O'Connor

Enormous spider/candy chute? Check. Flying bat? Check. Timely headstones with puns? Check. Check it out on E. Fourth near Albemarle. 

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Home Freak Home

This townhouse in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is home to an impressive collection of skeletons, witches and ghouls. 

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A post shared by Rech.loves.NYC (@rechyl) on

Upper Yeesch Side

This charming pair is part of an elaborate display on the Upper East Side on 67th Street. 

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Great Ape

Apparently King Kong has moved on from the Empire State Building and is now in Brooklyn Heights on Clark Street! (Near Willow.)

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Chillin in the Village

An elegantly-spooky display of bats, autumnal foliage and skeleton/spider duo for good measure in the Village on Washington Place off Sixth Avenue. 

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Eek a House

This house in Queens looks like a major HQ for a creepy crew! 

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Going for a Spin

A returning favorite on Christopher Street, the giant spider web is topped by a skeleton for 2020. 

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On the Web

Someone on this Upper West Side block really loves Halloween. #approve

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Peace is the Word

In Chelsea, it's all about Namaste. 

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Green with Frenzy

Meanwhile, on 36th Street in Manhattan, the displays of life-sized skeletons glow, and feature a nice contrasting violet light. 

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Character Appearances

We appreciate the maximalist sensibility of this display in Greenpoint. #moreismore

Dominating in Ditmas

Mimi O'Connor

This massive display in Ditmas Park in Brooklyn gets more elaborate each year. Spiders, creepy clowns, zombies, witches, skeletons, demons: no matter your nightmare, there's something for you! (Find it at the corner of Argyle and Albemarle Road. 

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Go Big or Go Home

Not for the faint of heart, this Halloween house in Middle Village not only sports a highly-coveted larger-than-life skeleton, its creepy display continues. (Click through photos for more terrifying tableaus.)

—Mimi O’Connor

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The Best Facebook Groups for NYC Parents

by Mimi O'Connor

As we all have learned over the past few months, working from home, social distancing and homeschooling can be isolating and overwhelming. One of the only things that makes it bearable is knowing that everyone else is dealing with the same issues. Which is why staying connected online is a necessity these days. To help, we’ve found almost 30 NYC parenting Facebook groups you can join to reach out and connect with other parents in your community, whatever, and wherever that is. Read on to find that support, shared knowledge and camaraderie are just a few clicks away in a local online group for parents. (P.S. not all groups have Facebook pages: find more NYC parenting groups here!)

Facebook Groups for Manhattan Parents

Daisy Beatty Photography

Chelsea Mommas, 2.0K members
Open to moms and families in general, head here for happenings in the nabe, recs and community. 

Harlem Moms, 2.2K members
A private group for uptown moms offering the scoop on events, activities, classes and more.

Hudson River Park Mommas, 2.1K members
A public group for parents in lower Manhattan neighborhoods, HRPM is a place for info, support, helpful programming on all kinds of parenting issues and more.

Madison Square Park Moms, 6K members 
A private group with 6000 members, this active forum is a place to to ask questions, find kid activities and events, share experiences, milestones, and frustrations, and post important info such as safety issues, recalls, great deals, etc.

Manhattan Freecycle, 2.4K members
Give, receive, all for free. 

Manhattan Twins  NYC, 1.3K members
Got double the trouble (or twice the love?). This private group of parents with twins in Manhattan will share wisdom, tips, and photos.

NYC Moms- Upper East Side, 21.4K members
Safe place for moms on the UES to connect with local parents.

NYC Moms-Lower East Side/East Village/Lower Manhattan, 2.5K members
Downtown ladies on the east side connect here for tips, advice, activities and community. 

Parenting in Tribeca, 2.3K members
A public group for families in the downtown area, "because it's all about tribes."

Upper East and Upper West Side, 5.1K members 
One of the newer NYC parent Facebook groups (it was founded in 2018), this group still boasts over 5000 members. Head here to network, buy, sell, swap, get recs and advice and more. 

Upper East Side Moms, 39K members
With almost 40,000 members, UES Mommas is a wealth of knowledge, support, referrals and recommendations. (It's also not without its disagreements between members, which have sometimes led to the group suspending activity temporarily.) Still, that's a lot of mom brain to pick and the members just keep coming to this private Facebook group.

Upper West Side Mammas, 19K members
Similar to the Upper East Side group, but for the UWS.

Washington Heights/Inwood Moms, 2.3K members 
Moms in this northern nabe can find and help each other here. 

Facebook Groups for Brooklyn Parents

Amy N. via Yelp

Bay Ridge Parents, 6.9K members
This private moderated group is a place where area parents can talk schools, events, local businesses, kids items for sale, parenting or other family-related advice, plus advice or steam-releasing vents about living and parenting in Bay Ridge. 

Bed Stuy Parents, 2.7K members
Connect online with other parents in Bed-Stuy with this private group.

Brooklyn Baby Hui, 4K members
Parents from the neighborhoods of North Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Greenpoint) share experiences, resources and stories to empower each other in this private group. (It's pronounced "Hoo-ee.")

Brooklyn NY Freecycle, 3.2K members 
Great for getting and giving, this site facilitates passing along items and keeping them out of landfills. Swapping is also allowed, but NO money should change hands.

Brooklyn Bridge Parents, 1.9K members
Join this public group for news and info for parents in Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and DUMBO.

Ditmas Park Families, 3.2K members
Connect with other families in the neighborhood on just about everything, from class recs to restaurants reviews, day trips, swapping and selling. 

DUMBO Moms, 2.2K members
A private group for moms of all kinds—new, experienced, etc—to share info, recs, frustrations, etc. 

Parents Around the Hill, 1.2 K members
Connect with other families in the Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy neighborhoods with this group. 

Park Slope Parents, 8.3K members
Despite its name, this Facebook group for the longtime popular Brooklyn parenting resource is open and visible to all families in Brooklyn. To access all the resources of the group, join Park Slope Parents for a reasonable annual fee. 

Windsor Terrace/Kensington Parents, 1.1K members 
Parents and soon-to-be parents can buy/sell/swap, share tips and recommendations and more in this group. 

Facebook Groups for Queens Parents

Queens County Corn Maze via Yabome M.K. Casper
Yabome M.K. Casper

BushRidge Parents, 2.6K Members  
Yes, this is a Brooklyn/Queens group, as the parents in Bushwick in Brooklyn and Ridgewood in Queens are close neighbors and hang together.  Connect, share info and support, and let each other know about local events and issues here.  

Forest Hills Parents, 10.7K members
Join the army of parents in Forest Hills at this Facebook page, for all things parenting in the area. P.S. There's a smaller, Progressive Parents of Forest Hills group here. 

Mommies of Long Island City, 3.3K members
For recs, advice and community in this booming area, head here. 

MOMally Parenting, 6.3 members
An offshoot of the MOMally Astoria page (which is more focused on reducing parenting anxiety), this group is the place to come with parenting questions and to receive support from area parents. Another option in the area is Astoria, NY Families, which has 4.6K members. 

Sunnyside Moms, 3K members
A private group for parents in the Sunnyside and Woodside communities, this group is open to parents of all kinds, including if your baby "was delivered to you by an alien." (They obviously have a sense of humor!)

Facebook Groups for Bronx Parents

WCS

Bronx Moms, 1.7K members
Head here to join a group of like-minded moms in the Bronx sharing everything from parenting tips, events, free stuff and funny stories. 

Bronx & Westchester Moms Group, 6.2K members
These moms may technically live in different cities, but they are close neighbors. Join this private group for info on area happenings, advice and supports. 

Facebook Groups for Staten Island Parents

Staten Island Children's Museum

Staten Island Moms & Dads, 6K members
One of the largest Staten Island parenting groups with 6,000 members, offering info on what's happening on the island for area families. 

Staten Island Moms, 2.1K members 
Join this public group for resources, support and buying and selling among Staten Island mothers. 

Staten Island Parents of Special Needs Children, 2.5K members 
A group created to help parents navigate the educational system, and offer support, info, and socialization.

Specialty Facebook Groups for NYC Parents

Caitlin Childs via Flickr

LGBTQ+ Moms, 2.9K members
This private group for mothers of LGBTQ+ kids is a place to come together online and share in their daily experiences of motherhood.

NYC Dads Group, 4K members
A popular online place for NYC dads sharing events, tips, discussions and more. 

NYC Parents of Kiddies with Special Needs, 2.6K members 
This is a private group for NYC parents of kids who have special needs, ranging from very minor speech/language/OT, to severe. Parents can ask questions, as well as share ideas and resources, and receive support from fellow members.

New Moms in NYC, 17.6K members
Connect early (and often) with this group for new NYC mothers. 

Bilingual Families of NYC, 2.3K members
Connect, get info, schedule playdates and more.

Single Parents By Choice, 200+ members
A private group for those parents who had a child without a partner.

New York Adoptive, Foster and Kinship Parenting Support Group, 1.3k members
A private group for families and parents with adopted or fostered kids, or those taking care of a child through kinship. 

The Parents & Nannies of NYC, 5.2k members
A private group created to connect families with nannies and nannies with families. 

—Mimi O’Connor

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Manhattan Ball Activity Toy Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Check your toy box. There’s been a recall of Manhattan Toy’s Manhattan Ball plastic activity toys. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Manhattan Toy has received six reports of the plastic tubes detaching from the center ball. If a tube with a silicone teether detaches the silicone teether becomes a choking hazard. 

Manhattan Ball

The toy has a hard plastic center ball with 12 soft plastic tubes inserted into the center ball and 7 silicone teethers threaded on the tubes.  “The Manhattan Toy Company” and lot code 325700EL or 325700IL are printed on the center ball.

Manhattan Toy has received six reports of the plastic tubes detaching from the center ball.  Two of the six reports included a silicone teether being separated from the toy.  The firm also reported one incident of a child mouthing the silicone teether after it came off.

The Manhattan Ball was sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from Jul. 2019 through Jun. 2020 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Manhattan Toy or return it to any Target Store for a full refund.

You can reach Manhattan Toy at 800-541-1345 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Mon. through Thurs., email at help@manhattantoy.com, online at www.manhattantoy.com and click on ‘Recall Information’ for more information.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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2020’s Best Beach Towns to Live in According to WalletHub

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Beaches are now starting to reopen much to the delight of those looking to put their feet in the sand. Some may be looking to relocate to a community close to the water. WalletHub just released a report on 2020’s Best Beach Towns to live in. 

 

To determine the most livable beach side communities, WalletHub compared 191 cities across 63 key metrics. The data set ranges from housing costs to share of for-sale waterfront homes to quality of beach water. This study divides beach towns into two categories, those by the ocean and those by lakes.

Top 10 Ocean Beach Towns

  1. Naples, FL
  2. Lahaina, HI
  3. Boca Raton, FL
  4. Newport Beach, CA
  5. Santa Monica, CA
  6. Sarasota, FL
  7. Kailua, HI
  8. Carlsbad, CA
  9. Encinitas, CA
  10. Vero Beach, FL

 

Top 10 Lake Beach Towns

  1. Traverse City, MI
  2. Folsom, CA
  3. Redmond, WA
  4. Holland, MI
  5. Cornelius, NC
  6. Kirkland, WA
  7. Mercer Island, WA
  8. Rocky River, OH
  9. Davidson, NC
  10. Pewaukee, WI

 

Best vs. Worst

Ocean Beach Cities:

Port Lavaca, Texas, has the lowest median home price as a share of income, 1.75, which is 8.7 times lower than in Coronado, California, the city with the highest at 15.14.

Wailuku, Hawaii, has the lowest median annual property taxes, 0.15 percent, which is 19.9 times lower than in Shirley, New York, the city with the highest at 2.98 percent.

 Miami Beach, Coral Gables & Key Biscayne, Florida, all share the fewest disaster declarations (since 1953), 15, which is 4.9 times fewer than in Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates and Malibu, California, the cities with the most at 74.

Long Beach, New York, has the fewest property crimes per 1,000 residents, 2.37, which is 44.5 times lower than in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the city with the most at 105.47.

 

Lake Beach Cities:

Alpena, Michigan, has the lowest median home price as a share of income, 2.02, which is four times lower than in South Lake Tahoe, California, the city with the highest at 8.05.

 Morgan City, Louisiana, has the lowest median annual property taxes, 0.26 percent, which is 14.7 times lower than in Zion, Illinois, the city with the highest at 3.83 percent.

 Traverse City and Alpena, Michigan, have the fewest disaster declarations (since 1953), five each, which is 11.6 times fewer than in Lake Elsinore, California, which has the most at 58.

 Bay Village, Ohio, has the fewest property crimes per 1,000 residents, 3.05, which is 34.6 times lower than in Branson, Missouri, the city with the most at 105.62. 

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-beach-towns-to-live-in/36567/  

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

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