Boston is known for many things. Our great sports teams. Fantastic attractions that bring visitors from all over the world. And the city’s storied history (who else can claim a molasses flood or the largest art heist in the world?). So we thought it would be fun to gather up the city’s popular places, people and historically significant spots and turn them into a list of Boston baby names for a little fun and inspiration. Whether you’re expecting, or you just want to see how your kiddo’s name stacks up, these Boston-themed baby names are all the inspiration you need. Read on to find out just how “Boston” your kiddo really is.
A powerful woman in American history, Abigail Adams was one of the founders of the United States, bearing the designations of second First Lady and first Second Lady. She is well known for her numerous letters to her husband John Adams that are filled with complex, political discussions.
Amelia
While the first woman to fly across the Atlantic originally hails from Kansas, Amelia Earhart moved to Medford, MA with her mother and sister following her mother's divorce. Amelia makes a powerful middle or first name that definitely stands the test of time.
Beacon
Boston parents have a number of street names that work well as baby names, with Beacon topping the list. You could even go for Bea as a girl's name.
Benjamin or Franklin
One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. A scientist and inventor, Franklin is most known for his discoveries relating to electricity.
Brockton
A suburb of Boston, Brockton makes a strong first or middle name, with Brock as a nickname.
Brookline
We love this name for a girl as it differs from the more popular Brooklyn. It pays homage to this neighborhood just a few T stops past Kenmore Square.
This one's for you, Patriots fans. Quarterback Tom Brady has made the names Thomas and Brady popular among fans in recent years. We'll have to wait and see if his recent split from the team will change that trend.
Bruin
Another for the sports fans out there, Bruin pays homage to the hometown hockey team and makes a good middle name (or dog name, for that matter).
Cambridge/Cam
We love the name Cambridge for a girl with Cam as the nickname. This name conveys a brilliant sophistication of the college town that is home to Harvard, with a double meaning for sports fan, acknowledging Boston Bruins president Cam Neely.
Celt
Boston is steeped in Irish history and this name (pronounced "Kelt") is the ultimate. Bonus: it doubles as a Boston Celtics reference.
Charles
The Charles River is an 80-mile river that meets the Atlantic Ocean in Boston and Charles (or Charlie) are classic names we love.
Chelsea
Named for a neighborhood in London, this working class city just north of Boston is bordered on three sides by water.
Clara Barton (born Clarissa Harlowe Barton) was a pioneering American nurse who founded the American Red Cross and was born in North Oxford, MA. Barton is noteworthy for doing humanitarian work and civil rights advocacy at a time before women had the right to vote.
Conan
Irish Catholic comedian Conan O'Brien hails from Brookline, MA where he attended school through high school, followed by nearby Harvard University.
Copley
Copley Square, named for painter John Singleton Copley, is a public square in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. This Boston baby name would be great for either a boy or a girl.
Dorothea
Name your child after 19th century activist Dorothea Dix who lived in Boston with her grandmother for much of her childhood. She drastically changed the medical field and championed causes for both the mentally ill and indigenous populations.
Duncan/Dunkin
Only the most die hard fans would choose the more unique spelling of this name, which pays homage to the coffee company that got its start in 1950 in Quincy, MA.
Fenway
While this name may be more popular for pups than children, Boston Red Sox fans are a dedicated bunch and have been known to give this Boston baby name as a middle name to their human children. Plus, naming your kid "Green Monster" is out of the question, right?
Isabella Stewart Gardner was a long-standing American art collector, philanthropist and patron of the arts who founded the museum with her name in the early 1900s.
Jasmine
Parents raised in the '80s will know why this name is on our list. Anyone who watched the Cosby Show spinoff, A Different World, is hip to Boston-born actress Jasmine Guy, who played the part of Whitley Gilbert.
John, Jack or Kennedy
It's no surprise to see these popular names around Boston as the Kennedy family has a long history in Massachusetts.
Jordan
This '80s-throwback name is popular for both boys and girls, especially for fans of the boy band New Kids on the Block that hails from Dorchester, MA.
Logan
You don't have to be an aviation geek to name your offspring after Boston's seaside airport.
Lois
Maybe you and the kids have seen the works of this respected artist gracing the walls of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts or at the National Center for Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) in Boston. Born in 1905, Lois Mailou Jones' successful career spanned continents and decades.
In 1847, Lucy Stone of West Brookfield, MA graduated from Oberlin and became the first Massachusetts woman to receive a college degree. She spoke out for women's rights and against slavery at a time when women were discouraged and prevented from public speaking.
Mary (or Eliza)
It's no secret that there are tons of Catholic families raising kids in Boston, so this name may seem obvious to include. But we're giving it a second look as a way to honor the work of Mary Elize Mahoney, the first African-American nurse to work in our country's hospitals. She worked for 15 years, while she waited to be let into nursing school, and was only one of four students (out of 43) who actually graduated.
Quincy
We love this name for either a boy or a girl and it has long-standing Massachusetts roots with Quincy, MA being known as the "birthplace of presidents." Both John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams were born there. When the town split from Braintree, it was named Quincy after Colonel John Quincy, maternal grandfather of Abigail Adams and after whom John Quincy Adams was also named
Revere
Prominent Boston silversmith Paul Revere is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia in April 1775 to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. The town of Revere, MA was named after him in 1871.
Skylar
Do you really know anything about Boston if you haven't seen Good Will Hunting? We think not. The name Skylar was made popular after Minnie Driver played a character with this name in the movie that was written by Cambridge, MA friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Tremont
This prominent street in Boston takes you along the Boston Common, through Boston's Theater District and across the Massachusetts Turnpike (affectionately know as the "Mass Pike"). We love it as a boy's name.
Trinity
Trinity Church is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston and was founded in 1733.
Whether you’re headed to the salon for your baby’s first haircut or your tween wants to balayage their hair, we’ve taken the guess work out of where to go. We’ve rounded up the best DC barbers and DC beauty salons that specialize in kid-friendly hair cuts and trendy tween styles so your child will leave looking picture perfect. If you just want to do a quick trim at home, we’ve got the 411 on at-home hair cuts, too. Read on to discover the best places for kids haircuts and trendy teen salons in the DMV.
In the City
Sports Clips
Sports Clips This hotspot doesn’t just cater to the over-35 NASCAR fanatic or Nationals-loving grown-up; it takes rookies, too. Billed as a sports-themed franchise with “guy smart” stylists who will make your dude feel right at home. Got extra time? Feel free to linger and watch some ESPN after a quick trim. Time-crunched parents will be happy with speedy service. Tip: “Lil’ Jess” is amazing with both clippers and scissors if your little dude needs some clipping in the back and shaping on top.
3307 14th Street Northwest Columbia Heights (202) 318-5302 Online: sportclips.com
Bravado Hair Design Located just above the grown-ups’ salon, Bravado Kids caters completely to the younger set. While you’re getting gussied up, kiddo can get a cut, trim, or deep conditioning treatment–all while watching TV on a personal screen, doing a puzzle, or burning rubber in a racecar seat.
Kids Paradise With its whimsical décor, including Ariel and all of her friends from A Little Mermaid, Lightning McQueen, Wonder Woman, and more, Kids Paradise sets the tone for a joyful haircut experience. Little ones will be fascinated with the “ocean floor,” complete with King Triton, personal stools, and tons of books and toys to play with during their visit. Bonus? Adults and wee ones can all get their hair done together. Tip: Looking for cornrows, beads, braiding, or other fancy styling? Yvette (the owner) is a magic-maker.
1215 Brentwood Rd. NE Brentwood 202-832-1299 Online: yelp.com
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Whether you have toddlers or teens, Sharkey’s caters to every child. Younger kids can sit in their favorite vehicle (ride-on cars vary by location, but selections include a Dodge Police Cruiser, Barbie Jeep, Lightning McQueen Race Car, Buzz Light Year Vehicle, Hummer, #8 Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Race Car, and/or Mini Cooper) while watching cartoons or Netflix. Older kids will jump at the chance to play Playstation 3 or 4 or X-box 360 on 40-inch screens while getting a new ‘do—or they can just watch their favorite sporting events or music concerts. Looking for a glamorous birthday celebration? Consider hosting a party in Sharkey’s special ‘Tween Lounge, where each guest will be pampered with a hair style, makeup application, and mini-manicure.
14260-C Centreville Sq. Centreville, VA 571-655-2356
8971 Ox Rd. #170 Lorton, VA 703-690-0900
21800 Towncenter Plz., Unit 271 Sterling, VA 571-500-5859
Sweet and Sassy For a total transformation, head to Sweet and Sassy where every little girl is a princess. This salon is worth-the-drive for an extra special back-to-school hairdo (or for a milestone birthday celebration). You can add glitter spray and stars to a blowout, get your toes and fingers painted and even create your own custom blended sugar scrub or lipgloss at the DIY station. When you're all done, strut your stuff on the runway!
1601 Village Market Blvd. SE, #124 Leesburg, VA. 703-552-8390 Online: sweetandsassy.com
Maryland
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Friendly Faces Kid's Salon and Spa Toes tap and little hands clap at this music-friendly salon where kids are encouraged to move and shake and show off their new 'do. There are also toys, games and video consoles to keep little ones entertained. For a special treat, Friendly Faces offers manicures, pedicures and face painting for an afternoon of pampering and fun. Friendly Faces is conveniently located in the Westfield Wheaton Mall.
2511 University Blvd. West Silver Spring, MD 301-942-0554 Online: ffkidssalon.com
B.R.A.T. Box Kids Short for “Babies Receiving Attention Too,” kiddos are the priority at B.R.A.T. Older ones can take on the Wii or Play Station games, while little tykes can read books, color, or play board games—fans of dress-up can even don a fancy gown while they get their hair done. A stash of kid-friendly DVDs and stuffed animals are available to distract the smallest skeptics. Parents can take advantage of the Adult Den, where stylists are at the ready to make even the most haggard among us look like a million bucks, too.
3652 St. Barnabas Rd. Hillcrest Heights, MD 301-423-1297 Online: bratboxkids.com
The Yellow Balloon From first haircuts to first fancy updos, The Yellow Balloon serves all your pint-sized grooming needs. And they do it with a keen eye for detail: the waiting area has toys, books, coloring books, and fun rides; each styling station is outfitted with a TV; and customers leave double-fisting a lollipop and a yellow balloon after hairstyling. Your freshly-coiffed little one won’t want to leave.
Kidville Salon Here is a place where your kids can get a great haircut AND take a dance class or romp in an indoor playground. Book online to get your mini-me ready for the first day of school tear-free. Prices are ridiculously reasonable ($22 for a cut), and members receive additional discounts. Services include a bang trim, full cut, and even a matching kid/doll updo. Customers can sit in airplanes, suck on a lollipop, and watch TVwhile they’re shedding a few inches.
Cartoon Cuts says, “That’s all, folks!” to family hair woes—they welcomes customers of all ages. They can host parties, braid to their hearts’ content, fix damaged swimmers’ hair, and even give your little one some scalp therapy if he’s been a tad itchy lately.
1619 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 301-816-3098
6511 Springfield Mall Springfield, VA 703-719-9791
11784 Fair Oaks Mall Fairfax, VA 703-359-2887 Online: cartooncuts.com
If you're going to attempt a haircut at home, you'll want to invest in quality tools. Grab these clippers that produce a low buzz sound; perfect for infants and children with sensory issues. These fun & flashy hair cutting scissors let you trim longer hair with style. And to make sure you're getting an even cut, grab these colorful combs. Not sure where to start? Check out these tutorials for tips and tricks for at-home haircuts.
I am an introvert. Basically, I like quiet. I like to be alone. I like peace. And I’m a mom.
As you can imagine, being an introvert and being a mom don’t always mix. Introverts breathe in solace and breathe out society. Being around people, even little people, expends our energy. That doesn’t mean we hate it; it’s just tiring. Being alone restores us.
But finding sufficient alone time isn’t the only hard thing about being an introverted mother. I have a whole list: I hate playdates. Having them isn’t the issue. It’s setting them up: coordinating, scheduling, remembering, driving… Even when someone invites my kids to their house, it stresses me out. Ridiculous, I know. Especially because most of my children’s friends are my friends. And I love my friends. But here we are.
Doing cool stuff with my kids stresses me out. I mean, I can’t even buy groceries without worrying my children will be kidnapped (which unfortunately isn’t an illogical fear anymore). So why would I subject myself to a zoo or museum? We have a small list of comfort zones: home, the farm, grandma’s, the mountain, the ranch, and sometimes Hobby Lobby.
The idea of my child, let alone more than one, being in sports/dance/music lessons that require me to consistently drive them somewhere, remember things, and interact with other adults gives me major anxiety.
I don’t like to do my girls’ hair. Yes, I have four daughters and I don’t like doing their hair. Well, I like doing the baby’s hair. But everyone else cries or complains or tries to run away, and it all just becomes a fight. And I’m not really good at doing hair anyway so it never quite turns out how we imagine. Grandpa Todd started calling three-year-old Adeline “Tarzan” because she has long wild hair and is usually half-naked. It’s fine. Might as well be wild and half-naked while you can.
And I especially hate bedtime. The whole to-do list of bedtime. PJs. Teeth. Homework. The “you said we could…” or “we forgot to…”s. Ugh. The begging for snuggles and stories and heart-to-hearts while I’m exhausted and so done. All made worse by the anticipation of that quiet, peaceful, alone time I’ve been craving is enough to make me crazy.
I used to feel immense guilt for hating playdates and hair and bedtime. Over time, I started to deeply believe that I wasn’t a good mother. Everyone else seemed to do these things easily, so I thought that I should, too. I should put my kids in every available sport/class. I should have a play date for each child several times a week. I should learn how to do fancy hairdos. I should read to my kids before bed. I should snuggle with them. I should take them on dates. I should do more. I should be more.
The should list grew, and so did the stress and anxiety. I became the awful mother I believed I was. Then one night, my husband and I were able to get away and go to a movie without the kids: Avengers: Endgame. It was late, and I would have preferred sleeping, but I fought to keep my eyes open (because how often do you go to a movie without kids?), and I’m so glad I did.
Thor, or rather, the heavy, depressed, broken, and aimless version of Thor, goes back in time and runs into his mother. She says something at that moment that hit me so hard it felt like a physical blow. “Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be.” EVERYONE FAILS AT WHO THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE. EVERYONE. FAILS. AT. WHO. THEY. ARE. SUPPOSED. TO. BE.
I was trying to be who I thought I was supposed to be. I thought I was supposed to have playdates like Ashley. I thought I was supposed to do amazing hairdos like Kristy. I thought I was supposed to put my kids in every sport available like Lisa. I thought I was supposed to gently love my children to sleep every night like Marissa. I thought I was supposed to do cool stuff with my kids like Kara. I thought I was supposed to be something I’m not. No wonder I felt like I was failing.
So now, I’m being brave and working on playdates, but we don’t have them often, and that’s okay. I’ve learned a few hairstyles, but we keep it pretty and simple. I’m teaching my older girls to brush their own hair so I don’t have to. And that’s okay. We’ve signed our kids up for a few classes so they can learn what they like, but we also recognize all the amazing unique things they already do and get to experience. And it’s all okay. And bedtime. I don’t read bedtime stories; we read earlier. My older girls and I use a mommy & me journal to write down all those heart-to-hearts, and we love sneaking them under each other’s pillows. Each night we pray and kiss goodnight and that’s it. And that’s okay.
We do things differently than the Ashley’s and Kristy’s and Kara’s and that’s okay. My kids are happy. They are fulfilled and loved and thriving. And now so am I. I’m not failing because I’m learning to embrace myself, to be myself. I am an introvert—and a great mom.
Amy is a creator and believes everyone else is too. She strives to be artistic in all areas of life but writing is her passion and her family is her masterpiece. She uses her blog to address the joys and struggles of motherhood and is currently writing her first novel.
If your kids have heard of Babe Ruth but aren’t sure if it’s a kind of candy, don’t worry! We know kids love fun facts, and from facts about Wilma Rudolph to the actual diameter of a basketball hoop, we’ve rounded up some fun sports trivia for kids.
Wikimedia Commons
1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).
2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter.
3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!
4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.
5. Here's some amazing sports trivia for kids: Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200 and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.
11. Golf is one of only two sports every played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit.
Looking for a way to spend more quality time with your kids at home? If your kids are on their Nintendo Switch or Sony Playstation a lot, why not get in on the video game fun? Schedule a family night, and see who’s the best driver, dancer or athlete. It’s a great way to bond with your children and show them you’re interested in what they’re doing. Here are our top picks for family video games—we promise hours of fun!
In this game, you collect Squishmallows, complete mini games and customize your own Squishmallow-themed home. Parents and kids will all get a kick out of this family video game!
Any parent who played Gran Turismo as a child is going to want to relive the game while playing their own kids. A racing simulation game, Gran Turismo is known for its graphics and the realistic nature of the cars in the game. Players can upgrade cars based on their wins and also participate in time trials. Grand Turismo is rated 'E' and available for PlayStation systems. The latest edition, Gran Turismo 7, is available now.
LEGO offers a variety of video games that are tied to kid-friendly movies. Since it's family game night, why not LEGO The Incredibles? Players choose to be superheroes or villains, and the game includes characters from other Pixar movies. LEGO The Incredibles includes puzzles and quests, leading them to a matchup with the game's biggest villain. The game was nominated for 'Fan Favorite Family-Friendly Multiplayer Game' at the 2018 Gamers' Choice Awards. LEGO The Incredibles is rated 'E10+' and is available for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Originally released in 2011, Minecraft has hundreds of millions of players, and those numbers continue to grow. A sandbox game, meaning that the characters have very few limitations and no set goals, Minecraft lets players mine blocks to construct different things. It's a great family video game for families who enjoy being highly creative and having flexibility.
Minecraft is rated 'E10+' and is available for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X/S.
Sports games are popular in the video game world and a great way for some friendly competition. Since soccer is a non-contact sport, FIFA International Soccer games have minimal aggression and physical hitting. Making it a great game for families. Released in 2020, FIFA 21 lets players play matches with soccer players from 30 official worldwide leagues. FIFA 21 is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5 and Xbox One, Series S/X and is rated 'E.'
Super Mario is 35 years old, making it another game parents enjoyed as a child they can now play with their kids. A limited-edition game to celebrate Mario's anniversary, Super Mario 3D All-Stars puts three of Mario's greatest hits, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, all in one package. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is rated 'E' and is for the Nintendo Switch.
Who doesn’t have family members who love to cook or eat? Overcooked! lets players become kitchen chefs while facing a bunch of issues. Chefs have a limited amount of time to prepare meals (which makes the game even more fun), and there's a chef collaboration involved to get orders out on time. You can even play the game as the Swedish Chef from The Muppets. Overcooked! is rated 'E,' and it's available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. You'll have to work together, but that's what makes it such a great family video game choice.
Winner of the Best Family Game award at The Game Awards 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the fifth edition of the game. Players explore a deserted island while gathering food and items they need and eventually creating a community of human-acting animals. Younger children will find this not too hard to play, making it a great family video game. Animal Crossing is available on Nintendo Switch and is rated 'E.'
Remember how popular the Floss dance was a few years ago? The dance was made even more popular by Fortnite Battle Royale, where players land on an island and then forge for items to help them survive. The longer the game, the smaller the island gets. Fortnite Battle Royale is rated 'T' for Teen and is available for the Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and PS5.
Pairing Mario with fellow video character Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 lets players compete against each other in sports like swimming, gymnastics, karate and surfing. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is available for the Nintendo Switch and is rated 'E10+.'
Any parent knows that their children think parents aren’t that exciting. Show your kids how cool your moves actually are with Just Dance 2021. Players imitate the dancer on the screen to one of the songs chosen and try to beat each other with the best score. It's a great way to interact with your kids and get everyone off the couch and moving. Available for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch and rated 'E.' This is the perfect family video game!
Trying to make their way through different levels, Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco encounter crates, fruit and enemies while trying to achieve their end goal. Both characters roll their way to collecting gems and Quantum Masks to help overcome obstacles they encounter. There are two game modes to choose from, Retro Mode and Modern Mode, and there are competitive multiplayer modes. Crash Bandicoot 4 is rated ‘E10+’ and can be played on PlayStation, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Your kids are the light of your life, so it can be hard to imagine that your amazing, beautiful, vibrant kiddo might have low self-esteem. Raising a confident child can be hard, but there are a few tactics seasoned parents use to instill a strong sense of self-worth in their kids from a young age. We know that no two children are alike, and there is no one-size-fits-all for parenting. We hope this list helps you pick and choose what works for your kiddos.
1. Model Self-Acceptance
If ever there’s a time to silence your inner critic, it’s in front of children. Kids are sponges and they absorb all of the things we do and say in front of them. In other words, if you don’t want your kids standing in front of a mirror saying their stomach is poochy, don’t do it to yourself. And this doesn’t just apply to physical appearance. Praise yourself once in a while in front of them, with real-life, concrete examples: “I got ready so fast today I was early to work,” or “I really had a great solution at work today, and I am so proud of me.”
2. Help Them Find Their Thing
Encouraging your child to find an activity they really enjoy and can gradually improve at is great for confidence. Anything with measurable improvements, such as a physical sport or a musical instrument, can provide clear examples of how something that is hard can become easier with practice. Experiment with trial and error (see letting your kids fail below). It can take a child a while to find “their thing” and that thing can change with age.
3. And Encourage Them to Stick With It
There’s a difference between something that's painfully difficult and anxiety-inducing and something that is hard. While you don’t want to force your children to do something that negatively affects their mental health, encouraging them to work at it even when it doesn’t come easy will lead to a feeling of great accomplishment.
And even if something isn’t a fit now, they can always try again. For example, your child might struggle to get through a piano lesson at age 5 but love it when they try again at age 10.
4. Listen to Them
Even if you want your child to keep at something, let them express their feelings about it honestly, and tell them you hear them. As the parent, you can evaluate if this is a situation in which they want to give up because they are feeling discouraged, or if it’s something bigger or potentially dangerous, and act accordingly—but in the moment, let your child be honest and acknowledge their feelings. Tell them you will come up with a solution together. Knowing they are heard means they know their opinion is valuable.
This can also be enforced in something as simple as dinner conversation. Let your child have the floor, and don't interrupt when it's their turn, just as you wouldn't want them interrupting you.
5. Get an Eye Exam
You might not think eyesight and confidence are connected, but it’s not uncommon for children to have vision problems before their parents notice. Not being able to properly see the board, screen or other teaching materials at school can make kids feel like they are “not getting it” or add to confusion. For very young children, they may not even know why they are feeling this way, which can lead to frustration.
In addition, if your child is having trouble concentrating at school, struggling with concepts or seems disinterested, especially if this is a new behavior, it could be a sign of eye problems. More than 40 percent of Americans have myopia¹, and in North America, the prevalence of myopia is expected to increase to 58% by the year 2050.²MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³† And, after using MiSight® 1 day contact lenses for three years, 90% of age-appropriate children still strongly preferred them over their glasses.⁴
6. Let Your Kids Take Risks
This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children. Naturally, we’re not talking about risky or dangerous behavior, but there are everyday risks that may seem small to grown-ups but are a big deal to kids. Being able to pour their own milk, even if there’s a risk of major spilling involved, is just one example. The milk doesn’t spill: they are proud of themselves. The milk does spill: they need to find a solution to clean it up.
7. Give Them Responsibilities
Allow your children to contribute to the household with age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. This will not only help you, but it will let them know youbelieve they can do it.
Offering specific, meaningful praise will give them even more confidence, plus the desire to keep up with those responsibilities. From telling a 3-year-old “I like how you quickly you cleaned up your toys,” to playfully reminding your tween, “I believe in your ability to fold laundry!” keep the examples relevant to the job at hand.
8. Let Them Fail
We won’t lie: it can be devastating to watch your child fail, especially when it is something they have their heart set on. This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children.
Auditioning for a school play, trying out for a team, talking to a new person at school, even taking an exam are all healthy risks that can come with big rewards, but they can also come with failure. And as hard as it is to hold a crying child who wanted to make the team, the resilience it builds will go a long way when facing tougher stuff as adults.
Another example of letting them fail ties in with personal responsibility. Yes, you want your kids to get good grades and do well at school, but if they don’t do their project on time, they will face the consequences. Failing to do a good job can encourage them to be motivated to not fail again.
9. Arrange a Physical
You’re a pro at the well-baby checks, but every year when your child gets their physical, it isn’t just about their growth chart. Confident kids know that their body is their own. Particularly as children advance to tween years, having a safe place with a trusted adult outside the home to talk about any health concerns, mentally and physically, will give them a sense of control over their own bodies.
10. Accept Imperfection
It's okay if they put their clothes away lopsided or their handwriting isn't great. Practice may not make perfect, but it will make improvements. Instead of stressing about little everyday imperfections, in yourself, your life and your kids, leave the dishes in the sink, the flyaway hair flying and go outside and play. Yes, we mean you, parents!
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
² Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
⁴ Sulley A et al. Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.
It’s been pretty cool to see how many small businesses have popped up that focus on the physical fitness and mental health of our youngest Chicagoans. Many are owned by fellow Chicago parents or neighbors with a passion for instilling a lifelong commitment to staying active in kids. We did a deep dive to find places that fit every kind of kid, with a broad range of athletic abilities, interests and ages. From indoor rock climbing to swim lessons and acrobatics to soccer, dig through our suggestions to find an exercise facility that caters to kids near you. And, after they nail the workout, treat them to a refuel from one of our favorite juice or smoothie bars.
Redline Athletics Old Irving
Redline Athletics
Ed and Laura Hosty are fellow parents and lifelong athletes who saw a need for a youth training program in Chicago that focused on speed, agility and strength training with an emphasis on injury prevention. Their new 12,000-square-foot facility trains athletes to become more athletic, more comfortable moving their bodies and more resilient so they can achieve success on every field of play. Redline Athletics welcomes kids ages 8-18 across the spectrum of athleticism — all are welcome. They offer a free trial session to check out the space and determine if it's a fit.
Owner and Nike Master Trainer Emily Hutchins started the Youth Development Program at On Your Mark based on the principles of making young athletes better—not only their athletic performance but by teaching them to be well-rounded humans. In order to support sustainable long-term development, kids work on physical and mental strength, mobility, stability, agility and speed. The one-hour sessions, held on Fridays at 4:30 p.m., are taught by certified personal trainer and IL Physical Education Association Teacher of the Year Pat Floyd. Pat is a pro at keeping things energetic and the kids engaged.
Kids are natural-born climbers, unhindered by that little thing adults call "fear". First Ascent fosters curiosity with 8-week classes that build confidence and encourage peer connection in a positive environment. Sign your kids up for a one-hour block of Kids Rock Blocks on Saturdays and Sundays and let expert youth instructors guide them to new heights. You can hang around to cheer them on or take the opportunity to run errands. They also offer day-off and summer camps and host birthday parties.
3516 N. Spaulding, Avondale & 4718 N. Broadway, Uptown; Online: faclimbing.com
SK8 Chicago
Certified Personal Trainer and lifelong skateboarder Ben Karbin created SK8 Chicago to provide lessons to the next generation of boarders. Over the last 20 years mentoring young skaters, he's honed his ability to make aspiring skaters feel comfortable and confident to learn new tricks and techniques. SK8 offers skate lessons, clinics and camps for all levels and also builds custom ramps. They have equipment available to rent if you don't have your own and can offer advice if you'd like to make a purchase.
SK8 Chicago works with you to select a convenient location for lessons; Online: sk8chicago.com
Brooklyn Boulders
Brooklyn Boulders
This place will make your wall-climbing kids straight-up giddy. They offer several indoor rock climbing terrains to conquer and knowledgeable instructors are there every step of the way up, up, up. Two-hour Kids Academy (ages 5-12) and Teen Academy (ages 11 & up) programs are available after school and on weekends and full-day Adventure Days are a great way to spend school holidays and summer break. Climbers have a chance to sharpen their climbing skills, while also having a platform for peer socialization.
100 S. Morgan St., West Loop & 2121 N. Clybourn, Lincoln Park; Online: brooklynboulders.com
The Little Gym of Chicago
The Little Gym believes motor skill development that's made fun leads to a lifetime of success. They work with kids ages 4 mos.-12 yrs. to build self-esteem while helping them reach their highest level of mental, physical and emotional growth. Classes included Parent/Child, Pre-K Gymnastics, Grade School Gymnastics, drop-in play and special events. They also offer regular Parent Survival Nights where the kids play for 2 1/2 hours while adults enjoy much-needed me-time.
Inspired by the TV show American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Ninjas allows kids to get their energy out on obstacle and agility courses. Built with all ages and skill levels in mind, you'll find swinging ropes, monkey bars, climbing walls and more. Kids can schedule 55-minute classes that have them working on strength, endurance and confidence or book an open play session. Ultimate Ninjas also hosts day-off and summer camps and they're a popular spot for birthday parties.
Note: Due to a fire in Feb. that destroyed two small businesses, the Albany Park location had to temporarily close. Please support their other locations while they rebuild.
Three locations in Naperville, Libertyville and Albany Park; Online: ultimateninjas.com
Brush Park Gymnasium
When owner Adrienne Farrel had her first baby in 2013, she felt there was a lack of workout facilities that effectively catered to families wanting to maintain a regular fitness routine. Having a Master's in Exercise Physiology in her pocket and a new goal to provide options for Chicago families, she created a space where every family member can have access to high-quality health and wellness. And, she did it beautifully. The stunning facility has all the equipment needed for an effective adult workout, a kid's playspace with a climbing wall, hanging pod chairs, and a magnetic wall and outdoor space for parents to sit, chat and enjoy coffee while the kids play.
The obstacles at Windy City Ninjas challenge wanna-be American Ninja Warriors looking to tap their fierce inner Ninja. They have a mission of helping kids set goals and overcome, persevere and achieve what they never thought possible. They have structured, progressive 45-minute classes where kids can build on their development each week or kids can sign-up for a 90-minute open play session. Windy City Ninjas also hosts day-off and summer camps, as well as birthday parties.
2550 W. Bradley Pl., North Center & 684 W. Lake St., Elmhurst; Online: windycityninjas.com
Fit City Kids
Fit City Kids combines family, fun and physical education by providing structured classes and an open area for drop-in play that's active and encourages good health and fitness habits. Class offerings include tumbling, fitness, basketball, sports sampler and soccer. They also offer personal training sessions and family boot camps.
After training with an instructor, your little birds will enter a vertical wind tunnel and experience the freedom of flight. This might not seem like exercise, but kids need to engage their core, glute and spinal muscles to make it all happen. There's also a decent amount of mind-body coordination that comes into play.
3 Chicago locations in Naperville, Rosemont and Lincoln Park; Online: iflyworld.com
TOCA Naperville
From a kid getting their first introduction to soccer to the high school athlete wanting to fine-tune their skillset, TOCA Football's technology-enabled training program develops well-rounded players through repetition and game-like simulations.
The offerings at TOCA Naperville don't stop at soccer. Playing sports helps kids develop gross and fine motor skills, teaches them to work collaboratively and follow directions and builds transferable socialization skills. When taught correctly, a child's overall development will be positively impacted. With those ideas in mind, Kids in Sports is a specialized program for ages 1-8 that instructs kids in baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.
Hi-Five Sports is about so much more than winning or losing, it's about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends and learning the power of camaraderie. The staff is filled with experienced professionals who are ready to guide kids through a positive, self-esteem-building experience. Hi-Five's Housecalls invites you to gather a group of 3-10 kids for personalized 1- to 2-hour programming at a location you select. You can schedule once a week, multiple times a week or a one-off playdate—like a birthday party. Best of all, they bring all the equipment needed for a full sports experience. They also host day-off and summer camps.
The Actor's Gymnasium is letting you in on a secret—the circus is more than elephants and clowns. It's physical and mental fitness and learning to trust yourself. Their classes focused on juggling, stilts and ariel arts help instill confidence and a sense of pride that comes along with skill mastery.
In a city where “cooler by the lake” is part of the daily forecast, getting the littlest citizens swimming is a must. Get your guppies going with classes catered to them—even babies barely sitting on their own can join in on the fun. These swim schools focus on everything from playful instruction to competitive training, all properly tailored to a child’s development.
POW! Gym
Sign kids up for boxing and fitness classes to increase strength, stamina and build leadership skills. They'll learn the fundamentals of a variety of martial arts, plus traditional boxing training. For kids ages 4-7, the Pee Wees program is focused on developing gross motor skills and teaching kids how to follow instructions with classes like Superhero Training, Ninja Warrior, Tumbling, Agility and more. POW! also hosts day-off and summer camps and birthday parties.
Bubbles Academy is a great way for ages 0-6 to get their bodies moving with classes that incorporate yoga, music and movement classes for infants, crawlers and walkers and entry-level ballet. The Lincoln Park location includes an outdoor nature playground using materials that inspire play and connection with the natural world.
From crawling to the first handstand, My Gym caters to kids ages 4 mos.-8 yrs. with classes like Waddlers, Gymnastics, Terrific Tots, Ninja Training and more. For more than 35 years, they've been creating supportive environments for kids to develop self-esteem and confidence.
6 locations in Lincoln, River Forest, Skokie, Wheaton, Buffalo Grove and Aurora; Online: mygym.com
Roller Skating
iStock
Chicago has a rich roller skating history rooted in the James Brown “JB” style, known for elaborate footwork. It’s also the birthplace of roller derby. While rinks are few and far between, you can still get your glide on at select retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. Introduce your kids to this slick part of Chicago’s history and impress them with your 8-wheeled dance moves at these old-school-cool roller skating rinks.
With all us moms and dads have to remember on a daily basis, we don’t blame you if you forgot to stock up on Kiss Me, I’m Irish tees and shamrock socks in preparation for St. Patricks Day. But that doesn’t mean you have to send your little leprechaun to school without a speck of green. Here are seven simple (and sometimes silly) ideas for how to add some instant green to their look today, to ensure no one gets pinched.
Photo: The Twig and Toadstool
Make a Leaf Crown Forget the store, just stop by the nearest tree to complete your “Luck of the Irish” look. Just follow this easy tutorial from Twig and Toadstool, and your little will rule the day.
Raid the PJ Drawer
No green tees or pants? You may have more luck in the pajama department. For this fun day make a wardrobe exception, and let them wear those dino PJs out into the world.
Photo: Mom100
Pack a Green Lunch Pesto, broccoli, edamame, kiwi, grapes, bell pepper, celery, green apple—we are betting your fridge is stocked with green, so why not challenge yourself to pack an all green lunch today? The Mom100 has more great ideas on adding some color to packed lunches, so check it out here.
Sport a Green Juice Mustache
This idea is so easy it involves doing LESS than you do on a typical day. Just blend up a greens-filled power juice and skip the clean up after, and let your little smoothie sipper sport a green juice mustache all day. Some dripped on their shirt? Even better.
Don A Broccoli and Kale Corsage This one is sure to garner giggles from their schoolmates. Just bundle up a few of the prettiest greens from the crisper drawer and make a prom-worthy (and Iron-packing) corsage. The best part? A healthy snack is always at hand…literally.
Green Hair, Don’t Care All you need is a stick or two of green chalk, some warm water and a little hair gel for an instant and very temporary (promise!) hair dye. Follow these simple instructions from The Krazy Coupon Lady and your kid will head to school looking like you planned for this holiday for weeks.
Raid Mommas Jewelry Box We are betting there are some faux emeralds or even forgotten Mardi Gras beads in that jewelry box of yours, so let you littles sort through your stash and come up with something sparkly and green. Just be sure and remove anything of actual value from the pile of options!
Learn from our past mistakes: summer seems far away, but it’s coming up fast. Which means it’s time to start thinking about and looking at camps, if that’s part of your plan for keeping the kids busy. Not only do camps fill up, but booking early can also get you some discounts on price. The good news is, no matter what your kid is into, there’s a camp for it in NYC. Soccer and ice skating, arts and movie making, rock exploration and rock band performances—whether your child has a creative soul or is a bundle of energy, you’re sure to find something to love in this list. We only wish we could sign up for all of them!
Not surprisingly, some of the camps to fill up first are the free or more affordable ones. Information for Summer 2022 is still forthcoming in most cases, but you can see an overview in our story on free and affordable camps here. (We'll be updating it as information becomes available.)
NYC also has yearly free STEM camp programs. Registration isn't open yet at the time of this writing, but keep an eye on this page for information.
New Country Day Camp
General Day Camp
YMCA
The YMCA is the quintessential NYC summer camp. If you're looking for a general camp that has a good mix of physical activity and personal expression, you'll probably find it at the Y. And with many locations around the city, you can find a spot that's convenient for you. Each location has different types of camps on offer, which generally have the same types of activities as a regular camp but with a heightened focus on a specific sport or activity, like swimming, sports, dance, robotics, and more.
Ages: Varies by location Locations: Many locations around NYC Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): Varies by location Online:ymcanyc.org
Oasis Summer Day Camp
Oasis Day Camp
A classic summer day camp in the city, Oasis prides itself on its affordability. Oasis operates camps in Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Queens, Long Island and Westchester. Kids ages three to 15 enjoy sports, games, crafts, drama, and more for the bulk of the day outside (although there are indoor facilities as well).
Ages: 3-15 Locations: Central Park, East Village, Bayside, Long Island University, Dobbs Ferry Camp dates: 6/27-8/19 Fees (starting at): Varies by location. Central Park: $1470 (entering nursery - K); $1420 (entering grades 1-6) Online:oasischildren.com
Gantry Kids & Teens
Gantry Kids & Teens
Gantry Kids is a camp that focuses on physical activity and fun, hoping to heal minds through active bodies. Campers will get to ride scooters and bikes in many locations, play outdoors, do some gardening, go on field trips to more outdoorsy places like Governors Island, and generally spend fun time away from their screens.
Ages: 6-11 Locations: 10-19 46th Rd. (Long Island City) Camp dates: Jun 28-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $580 per week Online:gantrykids.com
Steve and Kate's Camp
Steve & Kate's Camp
The camp experience at Steve and Kate's is entirely up to each individual child. Campers get to choose what they want to do from a huge range of activities including sewing, stop-motion animation, theater, crafts, and more. Mistakes are celebrated and trying new things is encouraged! You can buy day passes or a full month pass for 30+ days, and if you end up not using all the days you paid for you'll be automatically refunded, no strings attached.
Ages: 4-12 Locations: East Village, Cobble Hill, Chelsea, Upper East Side Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $119 per day or $3,570 for a full summer Online:steveandkatescamp.com
Camp Settoga
A day camp affiliated with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Camp Settoga operates on a lush 21-acre facility in Pamona, NY. (Kids are picked up by air-conditioned bus from areas throughout Manhattan, and it's about a 30-minute ride from the GW bridge.) It's a day camp with an overnight camp feel, with all the bells and whistles like pools, a rope course, elective activities, and more. New for the 2022 season are improvements like two new basketball courts, new tennis courts, a 12-hole mini-golf course and new amphitheater.
Ages: 4-12 Locations: Pomona, NY, with pickup from Chelsea, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Harlem and elsewhere Camp dates: June 28-Aug. 18, with sessions 4-8 weeks Fees (starting at): $5,565 for four weeks and up Online:campsettoga.org
This Staten Island-based camp is a place where every child is nurtured and good friends are made. Campers are led by trained supervisors and staff through activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem. The campus is huge, and camp events include hikes, field trips, bowling, carnivals, and more. That's on top of everyday activities like swimming and water slides, various sports, yoga, fencing, a game and art space, and more.
In addition to the nature-centric camps below, the city has many opportunities for kids this summer! Check with your local garden, zoo or marine center/aquarium for special summer programs.
There's so much to explore all around us, and Trailblazers camp makes it their mission to help kids discover the wonder around them. Campers will discover their environment through science experiments, challenges and games, team-building exercises, nature walks, art, and music. Kids will have outside time every day — as their website states, "there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothes!" The camp is built around kids' creativity and allows exploration and curiosity to take center stage.
Ages: 4-10 Locations: Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, Riverside Park, Morningside Park Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 27, varies per location Fees (starting at): $560 Online:trailblazers.org
The Riverdale Stables horse riding camp is returning for 2022, though details are still tbd. The stables have an indoor ring, 85 stalls, and access to trails in Van Cortlandt Park. A recreation room is on standby in case of bad weather and for additional activities like games and arts and crafts. This camp is open to riders who can already walk and trot with a horse and all riders have to be evaluated to attend. If your child isn't quite there yet, the stables also have classes that can help them get up to speed before the camp.
Ages: tbd Locations: Van Cortlandt Park Camp dates: tbd Fees (starting at): tbd ($825 per week in 2021) Online:riverdalestables.com
Does your child dream of being a rock star? At this camp, kids for bands of 6 (or fewer) members then learn, rehearse, and perform together! Bands will work on improving their instrumental or vocal skills, and on collaborating with each other. Kids will have a chance to play cover songs and even write their own original works. There's an option to add a private lesson before camp for an additional fee.
Ages: 8-18 Locations: Music Makers NY at 260 W 36th St. (Midtown) Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 19 Fees (starting at): $595 for 5 days Online:replaymusicstudios.com
Manhattan School of Music
Kids at this camp will experience the world of instrumental music in a professional setting. Instruction is available in classical music, musical composition, jazz singing, musical theater, and more. Trained teachers and professionals will help bring out kids' talents and improve their skills on their instruments, voice, or acting. Attendees will also get crucial skills training, like audition techniques, musical theory, and more. Camp culminates with a fully produced performance (including sets and costumes for the musical theater crowd).
The extended deadline for this camp was January 31 but late applications are still being considered. This program has a mandatory covid vaccination policy.
Ages: 8-17 Locations: 130 Claremont Ave. (Morningside Heights) Camp dates: Jul 5-29 for musical theater, Jul 11-29 for all other Fees (starting at): $2,940 for 3 weeks+$75 application fee Online:msmnyc.edu
NYC Guitar School
The NYC Guitar School summer camps are perfect for kids who are interested in making music and performing. Several options are available, including an intro camp for absolute beginners to guitar playing. The Rock Band camp is an intensive learning experience where kids will learn, practice, and perform for a live Facebook and YouTube audience. For a more in-depth experience, kids can spend two weeks working in a band, and get their songs professionally recorded at the end of all their hard work. If you prefer a remote option, the Guitar School is also hosting a virtual music production camp (for ages 12-17), which will teach teens how to record and produce their own work.
Ages: 8-17 Locations: Midtown and Astoria (Queens) Camp dates: 1 and 2 week sessions Jul 5-Aug 12 Fees (starting at): $400 for one week Online:nycguitarschool.com
Willie Mae Rock
Rock on with at the Willie Mae Rock Studio, where campers can try their hand at songwriting and guitar playing, as well as the electronics and software used in music-making. Each day will include activities designed to explore creativity and get hands-on with new experiences. Kids will also get to play different instruments, and create a finished work by the end of the session. This camp strives to empower girls, and is only open to girls and gender-expansive youth.
Ages: 10-17 Locations: 540 President Street, Suite 2H (Gowanus) Camp dates: Jul 11-22, two sessions Fees (starting at): $100 for a week, full and partial scholarships available Online:williemaerockcamp.org
Aviator Sports
General Sports Camps
Aviator Sports
Aviator Sports has a huge and impressive range of sports gyms and fields. Camp will take kids on an athletic adventure through gymnastics, parkour, ice skating, rock climbing, golf, swimming, soccer, pedal-carting, and more. Campers spend time outside and inside an air-conditioned space, and field trips are planned.
Ages: 4-15 Locations: Floyd Bennett Field 3159 Flatbush Ave. Camp dates: Jun 28-tbd Fees (starting at): $590 per week+$35 administration fee Online:aviatorsports.com
Kids in the Game
Kids in the Game
You can choose between general camp and sports + swim camp at Kids in the Game. Both focus on physical activity and physical and mental growth. At the sports + swim camp, campers will receive lessons through Physique Swimming and learn how to swim correctly from experts. Camp will utilize the indoor gym, outdoor basketball court, baseball fields, playground, and on-site pool for a well-rounded and active experience. Programs for the regular camp vary by location, but some perks include field trips to places like Governors Island and various museums, as well as themed camp weeks.
Ages: 4-13 Locations: Riverdale, Inwood, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, East Village, Greenpoint, and Park Slope Camp dates: Jun. 27-Aug. 19 Fees (starting at): $485 per week with full-summer registration; rate varies by location. Online:kidsinthegame.com
Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers is well known for its sports programming, and for good reason. This summer, kids can take advantage of the professional facilities to take part in various athletic activities. The camp features gymnastics, basketball, parkour and ninja warrior, hockey, ice skating, golf, and so much more. Programs are available for a wide range of ages, and campers are sure to find a sport that they fall in love with over the course of the summer. Sport-specific camps are also available if your little athlete already knows what sport they want to pursue. "Elite" camps are also open for kids who are experienced and competitively engaging in certain sports.
Ages: 3-17 Locations: Chelsea Piers at Pier 62 (Chelsea) Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $515 per week Online:chelseapiers.com
Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green
If your child is interested in a sport, there's a good chance they'll find it at Asphalt Green. This impressively robust sports camp includes time in an outdoor field playing baseball, soccer, and football, as well as indoor sessions playing basketball, swimming, circus arts, tennis, and kickball. During downtime, campers will make arts and crafts, LEGO robotics, creative writing, and more.
Ages: 4.5-15 Locations: Upper East Side, Battery Park City Camp dates: Jun. 28-Aug 19 Fees (starting at): $5,900 for 4 weeks Online:asphaltgreen.org
Specialty Sports Camps
Advantage Tennis Club
Help your kids stay active this summer with a tennis camp! Kids are taken through drills, taught tennis playing skills, and spend plenty of time on the courts receiving expert instruction. In addition to tennis, games, and activities, afternoons are spent swimming.
Advantage Sports also has a general Day Camp if you'd rather not focus on tennis exclusively, which features sports, art, lessons, and field trips. Plus, early drop off and late pick up are available at no additional cost!
Ages: 7-17 for tennis, 4-14 for general day camp Locations: Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, Roosevelt Island Racquet Club Camp dates: Jun 13-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $595 per week Online:advantagetennisclubs.com
Homerun Baseball Camp
Run by passionate coaches, this camp introduces kids to baseball. Effort, passion, cooperation, and self-confidence are valued above doing well, though (of course) kids will also receive individualized instruction in how to play the sport well. Camp slots are limited this year in an effort to keep the group smaller, so register early to snag a spot.
Ages: 4-12 Locations: Parade Grounds in Prospect Park Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $500 per week (plus a 50% discount for siblings) Online:homerunbaseballcamp.com
Super Soccer Stars
Soccer Stars
At Super Soccer Stars, kids learn how to work together as they hone their soccer skills. Held at over 10 locations around the NYC metro area, this camp generally lasts three hours (though full-day camps are also available). Each child will be coached and allowed to learn at their own rate. In addition to soccer camps, a number of places are also offering soccer and art options, as well as multi-sport camps.
Ages: 2.5-16 Locations: Many locations around NYC (as well as Hamptons, Long Island, and Westchester) Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $330 per week Online:soccerstars.com
MMA New York City's Karate Camp
Martial arts is all about fitness and confidence, and kids will find both at the karate summer camp of Modern Martial Arts of NYC. Each day at camp, kids will receive training from an expert instructor and learn karate with an emphasis on safety and inner strength. Campers will also get a chance to try various padded weapons training, like Japanese sword-fighting, nunchucks, staff and stick-wielding, and more. There will be demonstrations for parents throughout the summer, to show off their progress. Besides being active, kids will also get a chance to let their creativity shine through arts and crafts projects like tie-dying, LEGO building, ninja mask making, and even lightsaber crafting. There are field trips planned as well, including various museums and attractions, and more.
Ages: 5-12 Locations: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, and Astoria Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $789 per week Online:mmanewyorkcity.com
The Movement Creative
Camps for Active Kids
The Movement Creative
Held entirely outdoors in and around Central Park, this is a good option for kids with tons of energy to burn. Campers will run, climb, and tumble around the park with close instruction from highly trained and experienced coaches, learning to move their bodies and improving their parkour skills with each step. Each week starts with the basics and adds steps one at a time to make it easy for anyone to learn the moves through progressions. If class can't be held outdoors for any reason (inclement weather, closures), it will take place online. Note that a N95/KN95 or surgical mark is required to attend camp — cloth masks, neck gaiters, or bandanas won't be accepted.
Ages: 7-18 Locations: Central Park (Colombus Circle entrance) Camp dates: Jul 5-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $990 per week, lower prices available for those in need of financial aid Online:themovementcreative.com
Locals Surf School
Locals Surf School
Surf's up, dudes and dudettes, and your kids could be catching the waves or doing kick-flips this summer, with the help of Locals Surf School. Featuring a program that includes both surfing and skateboarding lessons, this summer camp is a good one for kids who love adventures and hitting the beach. You can be sure your child will get individualized attention: Classes are three kids to one instructor. This camp welcomes all skill levels, even if a child's never been surfing or skating before. All equipment is included in the fee, including surfboards, wetsuits, skateboards, and protective gear. Kids will also take part in games and learning exercises as part of their camp experience.
Ages: 5-15 Locations: Beach 91st St. Skatepark (Rockaway Beach) Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $885 per week Online:localssurfschool.com (sports) and localssurfschool.com (skate clinics)
Cooking Camps
Sur la Table
At Sur la Table, kids and teens will get expert instruction to become better chefs and gain confidence in the kitchen. Campers will engage in every part of the cooking process, from prep to plating. Days are themed, so one day kids might be kneading pizza dough for their pizzeria experience, and the next they'll be folding dumplings for their faux Chinese restaurant. Classes are 2-2.5 hours long and groups are split by age, 7-11 and 12-17. You can also check what's on the menu for each week before you make a choice — note that each program has its own menu, so menus are repeated a few times during the summer.
Ages: 7-17 Locations: 306 West 57th Street (Midtown) Camp dates: Jun 6-Aug 19 Fees (starting at): $249 per week Online:surlatable.com
Taste Buds Kitchen
This half-day (three hour) cooking camp is perfectly adapted for different ages. The youngest kids (4-8 years old) will learn how to mix, measure, and work safely through cooking stories and games, 9 to 13-year-olds will learn more advanced cooking techniques, hone knife skills, learn how to read recipes and use the burner safely, and clean up after themselves, and 13 to 17-year-olds will be treated to adult-level skills and recipes, advanced knife skills, food styling, and recipe creation. Regardless of age, all campers will make three recipes per day, featuring a mix of savory and sweet.
Kids over 10 can apply to become Counselors-in-Training and, if picked, can stay for a full day and get 20% off their session. You can sign your child up for a full week or per day. There are also online summer courses available with vegetarian recipes!
Ages: 4-17 Locations: 109 West 27th St. (Chelsea) Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $115 per day Online:tastebudskitchen.com
Art Camps
Greenwich House
This well-rounded camp features activities to engage small bodies and minds. With a focus on STEAM activities, Greenwich House will have kids drawing, painting, taking photos, making animations, and putting on plays. The camp will also engage creative minds through coding, architecture, science, and engineering projects, and get them moving through games, sports, and even cooking.
At this arts and crafts camp, kids are encouraged to explore different mediums and express themselves creatively and uniquely as only they can. Taking place in fully-equipped art studios, campers will learn skills like patience, collaboration, composition, and storytelling through many different art forms, including drawing and painting, stenciling, animation and cartooning, bookmaking, clay character creation, and many more. Camp sessions encourage self-expression and confidence in little creators of any level.
Ages: 5+ Locations: Cobble Hill, Long Island City, and Hoboken Camp dates: tbd Fees (starting at): $135 for a half day Online:playday.com
If your kids love to make things with their hands, they'll find a home at The Craft Salon. Here, kids can try their hand at drawing, sewing, clay, collage, weaving, macrame, and so much more. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 10 kids, and covid vaccination proof is required to participate.
Ages: 8-13 Locations: 338 E 5th St #2B (Kengsington) Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): $500 per week Online: thecraftsalonstudio.com
Plato Learning
Role Play, Gaming & Fantasy Camps
Camp Half-Blood
Camp Half-Blood is well known for its adventurous structure, using the power of imagination and role-play to learn and grow. Each camper becomes a Demigod and embarks on a quest to become a fully-fledged hero! Demigods will take on quests, train their (foam) sword-fighting skill, forge their own armor, battle magical monsters, and weave epic tales. Throughout their adventures, kids will learn about mythology and heroes of legend from different cultures like Odysseus, Beowulf Mulan, and Boudica. Most importantly, these emerging heroes will learn how to find the confidence inside to become real legends.
Ages: 2nd-5th grades Locations: Prospect Park, Central Park, Inwood Park, Alley Pond Park (Queens), Clove Lakes Park (Staten Island) Camp dates: Jun 13-Aug 19 Fees (starting at): $525 per week Online:camphalfbloodbklyn.com
Brooklyn Game Lab
Brooklyn Game Lab
This year, the Brooklyn Game Lab has two options: indoor and outdoor, or fully outdoor. The fully outdoor camp will have kids playing word games and taking part in physical activities using props like frisbees, hoops, cones, beanbags, and balls. Kids will also engage in mock adventures and "battles" using foam weapons and their imaginations.
The combination indoor and outdoor camp will also use tabletop games and board games to get kids thinking critically and strategically, as well as working together. Campers will also get a chance to discuss game design and craft their own games.
Ages: 6-13 Locations: Prospect Park Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $595 per week Online:brooklyngamelab.com
STEM Camps
Brooklyn Robot Foundry
Brooklyn Robot Foundry
Introduce kids to robotics at an early age at the Brooklyn Robot Foundry, where campers will build a themed robot (themes will be announced at a later date). No experience is necessary! The camp also includes games, crafts, and plenty of activities to get kids moving, including trips to the nearby park. Only kids 5-10 who are fully vaccinated can attend this camp, and online programs are also available for kids ages 6-12.
Ages: 5-10 Locations: 98 4th St. (Gowanus) Camp dates: Jun 28-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $165 + $20 materials fee for single day, and $625 + $75 materials fee per week Online:brooklynrobotfoundry.com
Nory
Upon entering a Nory camp for the week, kids are given a quest. This might be a realistic one (how do you design a classroom that's easier to navigate for the blind?) or a more outlandish one (can you invent a robot that runs on "magic"?). Each camp week is then focused on learning about the topic, asking questions, and getting hands-on with various materials and skills from wiring RFID chips to woodworking. Mistakes are celebrated as steps toward success and students are encouraged to be inquisitive, resilient, and empathetic (Nory's three core values).
Ages: 3-12 Locations: Various locations around NYC Camp dates: Jun 27-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $500 for half-day per week, $800 for full-day per week Online:nory.co
The Geek Forest's Summer of Steam
Does your child love Roblox or Minecraft? The Geek Forest will get them excited to design and code their own creations in the game world. Other programs get kids more hands-on with engineering and robotics through Battle Bots and LEGO. Besides these, the camp also has tabletop design and play lessons, explorations of webcomics, bookbinding, urban planning, and other awesome STEM topics to engage and educate.
Summer camp at Voxel Academy lets kids explore cutting-edge tech with expert instructors as they create a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience. (And they get to take the project home with them.) Weekly camp topics include 3D printing, Minecraft and Roblox projects, VR, engineering and modding and more. Kids also take breaks and go outside, so they are not on screens all day. As of this writing, sessions are on sale.
Ages: 7- 14 Locations: 134 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill Camp dates: Jun. 27-Sept. 2 Fees (starting at): $775 and up Online:voxelacademy.org
Drama Camps
Cinema Kidz
Is your child a film director in the making? With this camp, they might just be. Cinema Kidz teaches kids about film and animation and sends them on a journey to make a film from start to finish. Campers are involved in the film-making process at every step of the way, from planning and storyboarding the idea, to filming, directing, and editing the film. Kids are encouraged to get hands-on with equipment and tech to learn through trying new things and even through making mistakes. Participants will leave the camp with filmmaking knowledge, as well as a finished project to share.
An online option is available, as well.
Ages: 5-15 Locations: Prospect Park, 202 W 97th St. (Upper West Side), Pine Street School (Lower Manhattan), BAM (Brooklyn), Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): Inquire for price Online:cinemakidz.com
Treasure Trunk Theatre
The Treasure Trunk Theater is all about the joy of creating theater art. Campers will take part in dances and games, listen and sing along to music, and stretch their imagination as far as it can go. Kids will also learn theater skills and terms, and practice drama and theater arts every day in all its different forms. At the end of each day, photos and videos will be shared with parents so you can share the joy of your kids' performance. And it's fine if your kid isn't all that dramatic: Educators are skilled at helping these petite performers find confidence and celebrate their unique selves.
Ages: 3-8 Locations: Various locations, including Cadman Plaza Park, Prospect Park, Carroll Park, Fort Greene Park, and more Camp dates: Jun 6-Sep 9 Fees (starting at): $316 per week or $90 per class Online:treasuretrunktheatre.com
Hunter Canning
Child's Play
Let kids get their wiggles out by channeling them into characters on stage! Child's Play is a place where kids can hone their drama skills through performances. Guided by theater artists trained in early childhood education, kids get a chance to create stories and characters, make music videos, and play theater games. Each camp session ends with a movie that shows off all the work put together by the campers. Themes for the weeks include unicorns and dragons, circus adventures, superheroes, ocean adventures, and more.
Ages: 3-11 Locations: 193 Columbia St. (Cobble Hill) Camp dates: Aug 1-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $400 per week Online:childsplayny.com
Play:ground NYC
Maker Camps
The Yard by Play:groundNYC
The Yard by Play:groundNYC is a truly self-guided, mixed-age experience. Kids have free reign in a junkyard full of tools, building materials, fine art and handcrafting materials. Campers of all ages can work together or separately, and each child can decide what to do with their time, whether they want to explore the hidden treasures in the Yard, make artworks and structures, or simply enjoy their time outdoors. Daily excursions will introduce children to other areas of Governors Island.
Ages: 1st-6th grades Locations: Governors Island Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $620 per week Online:play-ground.nyc
KoKo NYC
Miho Suzuki
KoKo NYC offers two camps. In the Soap Box Workshop, kids will plan, build, and test gravity racers using found objects and building materials. Once the vehicles are assembled, they'll take part in the South Slope Derby, racing down the street to the cheers of family, friends, and neighbors.
At the Mini Destroy + Construct camp, kids will use real tools to take apart old technology like printers and blenders to see how they work, They'll then design and build their own inventions and art based on what they learned from the "destroy" phase of the camp. The camp is specially designed for 5-7 year olds and is based in trust and safety, allowing kids to use real tools in a controlled and safe environment.
Ages: 5-7 Locations: South Slope, Gowanus Camp dates: Jun 20-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): $650 per week Online:kokonyc.org (Destroy + Construct) and kokonyc.org (Soap Box Workshop)
Language Immersion Camps
International School of Brooklyn
The ISB aims to fill children with a sense of wonder at the world around them, all while teaching Spanish and French through play and immersion. Groups of no more than 15 kids will be accompanied by 2-3 counselors and guided through exploration of various topics in the natural world all around them, from tiny tardigrades, bugs, and rodents, to mighty raptors, predators, and trees. Each week will focus on a different theme, and introduce STEM concepts and activities in your choice of language. The program accommodates children at all levels of French and Spanish mastery, helping beginners learn new vocabulary and honing the skills of more advanced speakers.
Ages: 4 years old through 5th grade Locations: 477 Court St. (Gowanus) Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 5 Fees (starting at): $520 Online:isbrooklyn.org
French Institute: Alliance Française (FIAF)
The FIAF summer camp is inspired by the Tour de France, and will take campers on a journey through French language and culture. Guided by the world-famous bicycle race, kids of all language levels from complete beginners to native speakers will be introduced to the rhythms and sounds of the French language. Kids will learn about each area of the Tour de France, while also partaking in camp staples like games, movement activities, art, cooking, yoga and more. Older campers in their teens will receive age-appropriate instruction focusing on topics relevant to them, like fashion, wildlife, and the environment.
Online instruction is also available in the summer (for ages 1-20!), with lessons lasting 45-90 minutes.
Ages: 3-18 (online 1-20) Locations: 22 East 60th St. (Lennox Hill) Camp dates: Jun 20–Sep 2 Fees (starting at): $419 half-day per week, and $789 full-day per week Online:fiaf.org
Juguemos
Get the kiddos interested in Spanish culture and heritage at this camp, where instruction is done exclusively in Spanish for younger kids and in Spanish and English for older campers. Activities will center around nature, animals, food, music, art, and dancing, all drawing from Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Kids will engage with the outdoors through movement and exercise, nature exploration, structure play, and various workshops designed to develop various skills and improve confidence.
Ages: 2-6 Locations: Prospect Park at 3rd St. entrance Camp dates: Jun 27-tbd Fees (starting at): $720 per week (2 and 3 days a week options are also available) Online:juguemos.org
Collina Italiana
This thoroughly immersive program is serious about teaching kids Italian. In addition to entertaining games, music and dancing, campers will become acquainted with the language through vocabulary study, textbooks and workbooks, as well as flashcards and other educational activities. Every aspect of the program is designed to include Italian, including art, reading and writing, history, geography, and science. Outdoor play is also included at the nearby playground and Central Park (located only a few blocks away). Groups are limited to only six kids, so everyone will be sure to get the individualized attention they need.
An online option is available but it's only an hour-long in the mornings.
Ages: 3-10 Locations: 1556 Third Ave. at 87th St., Suite 602-603 (Carnegie Hill) Camp dates: Jun 20-Sep 1 Fees (starting at): $140 per 2 days at 2 hrs, full-day is $390 per 2 days, $80 per two days Online:collinaitaliana.com
Pusteblume NYC
This camp combines German and Spanish immersion with art, science, astronomy, marine biology, and more. Each week is themed around a different topic and campers will explore them in-depth. This year's lineup includes planning and carrying out science experiments, observing and analyzing the natural world, digging for dinosaur fossils and making dino puppets, and learning all about space (among other topics). You choose the instruction language, Spanish or German, when you sign your child(ren) up for camp.
Ages: 2-9 Locations: 244 West 14th St. (West Village) Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): $476 Online:pusteblumenyc.org
CCBG NYC
At this camp, kids can learn the Chinese language while getting immersed in the culture. Campers will learn about Chinese mythology, fables and legends, and partake in cultural activities like Chinese chess, calligraphy and cooking. In addition, outdoor activities will be held like running, sports, and various field trips. Kids are split into groups of 4-5 per teacher, by their Mandarin skill level, then taught either mostly in Chinese (for lower levels) or completely in Chinese (for more advanced speakers).
An online option is available for a much lower price if you're interested but can't make it out to the camp locations.
Ages: 5-14 Locations: K-Town and Park Slope / Gowanus Camp dates: Jul 5-Aug 26 Fees (starting at): $675 per week, $70 per week for online option Online:ccbgnyc.com
Kibbutznik at Marks JCH
Get kids in touch with their Jewish roots at this Russian-language immersion Jewish summer camp. Days are full of interactive activities that introduce kids to Jewish and Russian culture through literature, media and art. The camp will also feature themed weeks, covering topics like fashion, Russian food, music, theater, science, Macciabah, and more. Swimming is also offered twice a week.
Ages: 3-8 Locations: Hannah Senesh Community Day School at 342 Smith St. (Carroll Gardens) Camp dates: Jun 28-Aug 12 Fees (starting at): $550 per week Online:jchparkslope.org
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Looking forward to your big upcoming vaycay? Packing up the kids can be an unbearable task, but with our picks of adorable little luggage options, it doesn’t have to be! Before you head to the airport or start packing up the car, be sure to check out our roundup of adorable kids luggage, including everything from child-size duffles and suitcases, to backpacks that are perfect for little hands. Now you can focus on an awesome and memorable trip!
Coordinated luggage never looked so cute! This adorable Unicorn Kids Hard Shell Carry On Rolling suitcase ($70) and backpack duo is lightweight and the perfect size for littles. The spinner suitcase makes for easy maneuvering and the telescoping handle means your kids can stow the matching backpack easily.
This simple set of fabric travel bags is perfect for kids or even adults heading on a short trip. Coming in over 20 patterns (we think this camo one is adorbs for boys!), the Rockland 2-Piece set ($41) is great for budgets and comes with a detachable shoulder bag. Use the telescoping handle to keep the bag and suitcase together and make traveling a cinch.
Wildkin's Overnighter Duffle Bag ($30) not only comes in tons of adorable designs like mermaids, unicorns, chevron prints and boho chic but it's functional too. The kid-sized duffle bag is ideal for weekend getaways, coming with a moisture resistant lining, easy carrying handles and an exterior pocket. Traveling never looked so cute!
This American Tourister Star Wars R2D2 spinner suitcase ($100) is so cool, we want to use it. The soft side spinning luggage is designed to fit most overhead compartments so it's ideal for kids. Each case comes with coordinated zipper pulls and amazing interior lining. Choose from your fave Star Wars characters, like C3PO, Darth Vader, BB8 and a Storm Trooper.
Stephen Joseph's Classic Rolling Luggage comes in eight adorable prints and is perfect to use as a carry-on. It's colorful, whimsical and functional, coming with several exterior pockets, a telescoping handle and wheels.
