New York Family’s March/April 2016 Issue

NYF_0316_C1 — Photo by Michael Jurick. On Randi Zuckerberg: Cynthia Rowley dress; Isharya bracelets; her own Valentino booties.

FEATURES

Dot Mom
Entrepreneur, tech pioneer, and mom-of-two Randi Zuckerberg is all about the business of joy

Birthday Party Guide
Our annual birthday bonanza, featuring the coolest themes and party venues that embody them and six unique DIY projects for personalizing your party

Mitzvah Guide
The ultimate guide to bar and bat mitzvahs—including a list of fabulous local venues, a planning timeline, and a budget-balancing worksheet

Summer Fun (And Enrichment)
Plan a great summer for your child with our guide to camps and classes for kids of all ages

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

15 Events For Spring
The annual Macy’s Flower Show, “Dinosaurs Among Us” at the AMNH, the Tribeca On Location Street Fair, and more

HOME & AWAY

Real Estate
NYC brokers share their expertise on where to buy and rent now—plus a cheat sheet for great new buildings

Quality Time
A new family wellness service, Instill Health with Laura Deutsch, offers three easy recipes for busy families

Camp Countdown
New experiences, close communities, and a sense of freedom keep campers returning year after year

[gravityform id=”13″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

COLUMNS

Editor’s Note
What school does your [son/daughter] go to?

Events & Offers
A giveaway for a five-night stay at Grand Hyatt San Diego, the last Camp Fairs of the season, and the scoop on nominating a deserving educator for a Blackboard Award

Scoop
Activities for tweens and parents, designer consignment for kids, a cool ice cream spot on the UES, a learning app for little ones, and a baby gear cleaning service

Spotlight: Science, Technology & Math
How to support your child’s tech education at home–plus, our list of the best STEAM programs in NYC

Treats
Top local baby gear retailers share their favorite trends and products

Growing Up
In her new memoir Catastrophic Happiness, author Catherine Newman reflects on the terrifying joy of watching her children grow up

Starting Out
A selective guide to beloved local parent & me classes

Education
Preparing now for preschool admissions next fall–plus, a nursery school directory

Last Word
What a local mom and educator did when her own son refused to go to school

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;</p>

Plugged in Band

<div>Plugged In is a nonprofit program that offers online programs to student&nbsp;musicians (Ages 10-18) in a non-competitive environment and provides band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Our programs include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Rock Band Classes</div> <div>Private Music Lessons</div> <div>Summer Camp</div> <div>Digital/Audio Production</div> <div>Songwriting and Recording Workshops</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Oh and hey parents, we are now offering private music lessons and our rock band program for adults too. Reach out to us for more information.&nbsp;</div>

British Swim School - Long Island

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>