5 Perfect Breakfasts for Your Little Valentines

5 Perfect Breakfasts for Your Little Valentines

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Anyone who’s cooked a meal for the family knows it’s a labor of love. From cutting the crust off the bread of a finnicky toddler, to arranging the chocolate chips in the pancake into a smiley face, we are more than accommodating. 

Sometimes the joy is in sharing our grandmother’s special recipe, introducing the kids to an exotic flavor for the first time, or simply taking pleasure in filling their bellies with healthy foods and watching them gain sustenance and take form before our eyes. 

Children may seem like little butterflies, flitting from one amusement to the next all day long, but they’re soaking it all up – the aromas emanating from the kitchen, the heat from the bustling stove, the sound of you singing as you’re making, the funny ideas their imaginations concoct as they gaze upon their plates. 

Planning a few meaningful moments with food can have sticking power. Your kids may forget much of their childhood, but they’ll remember that you took the time to care; and when they find themselves suddenly whipping up heart-shaped eggs for their own children come Valentine’s Day, they’ll smile and think of you. If you’re still looking for that special Valentine’s Day breakfast idea, we hope you find inspiration here. 

Heart-Shaped Donuts (Sally’s Baking Addiction)

There’s much to love about this donut recipe. You’ll need buttermilk, heavy whipping cream, nutmeg, food coloring, and sprinkles – a few items you might not always have on hand – and, ideally, a heart-shaped donut pan. The dough is cakey and the frosting thick. Be sure to read the comments section for extra tips to prevent sticking and get that perfect color/ consistency.  

Sunny Side Up Egg-Heart Toasts (Chef De Home)

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create a nest for the egg within the toast. You can use white or sourdough and strawberry jam or Nutella, depending on your kids’ preferences. Hershey Kisses make a nice plate garnish! If your kid only eats a scramble, consider topping with a heart-shaped tomato. These heart-shaped omelet muffins are quick and easy to make-ahead as well. 

Red Velvet Pancakes (Something Swanky)

It’s hard choosing a favorite pancake. Ultimately, red velvet cake mix and cream cheese wins, adding an unexpected twist to a traditional pancake breakfast equally suited for kids and parents alike – no artificial dye necessary! Garnish with strawberries and sprinkles. We also loved these caterpillar pancakes for tiny tots and the Emoji pancakes for slightly older kids. 

Conversation Heart Toasts (Hungry Happenings)

All you need is bread, jam, milk, food coloring, and food-safe paintbrushes to create a slice of fun. Toast the bread to perfection in a toaster, oven, or toaster oven and serve with real candy hearts for a whimsical twist. You can use a stamper if your freehand paint-writing isn’t the hottest.

Valentine Charcuterie (A Momina Moment)

If you want an over-the-top spread, consider putting together a trendy charcuterie board. (The heart-shaped waffle maker is clutch, but you can also cut your waffles into shapes using a pair of kitchen shears.) Follow this easy recipe for chocolate-dipped strawberries. Swap the sugar cookies out for heart-shaped bacon if you need a little more savory to offset the sweet.  

Hungry for More?

Does your child take an interest in cooking? Come and explore with Shine’s “Cooking Stars” class (ages 3-5, 6-7, 8-10). We combine food art, science, literature, and hands-on culinary experiences to enrich your child’s life.

Q&A with Shine Founder Aaron Goldschmidt: All You Need To Know About the New Creative Arts Space for Children in The Hamptons

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Shine has been the Tri-State’s leading provider of workshops, camps, pop-up classes, and events since 2004. Programming involves a unique blend of visual arts, science and nature, cooking, cultural immersion, music, and movement, geared toward ages 6 months to 12 years.

Over the years, meetings have taken place at some of the East End’s most iconic locations, like the LongHouse Reserve, Bridge Gardens, or CMEE, but Shine never really had a place to call “home base” – that is, until now!

The Shine Studio debuted to the public earlier this month. Inside, you’ll find three large studios and a café. Outside, you’ll find another café, garden space, an outdoor classroom, a stage, and direct access to the Long Pond Greenbelt trails. It’s an exciting space, designed to inspire creativity and learning.

East End parents are always looking for fun places to go. Whether you’ve experienced our programming before or this is all new to you, company founder Aaron Goldschmidt answers all your questions in this exclusive Q&A about the brand-new Shine Studio, located at 977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932.

Q: How did you arrive at the decision to create a physical space for Shine?

Aaron Goldschmidt, Shine Founder & Director: Shine has always been a mobile, pop-up business. That was the original idea, it has served us very well, and we will continue to offer those services.  But with our popular summer camp and growing business on the East End of Long Island, it felt like the right move at the right time. Also, I am a firm believer that things happen when they are supposed to — and I found the most amazing space that just felt like home the minute I walked in. I had to take this place, even without a plan.

Q: What seasonal events are you planning for The Shine Studio that you hope people will want to come back to, year after year?

A: We are hoping to have at least one seasonal or holiday-specific event per month. We’ve only had a small Halloween party this year and are gearing up for a Family Holiday Party on Saturday, December 18th from 1-4pm. The excitement is in creating and developing events this first year that will hopefully become tradition as we continue to grow and expand!

Q: Is anything exciting coming up over winter break?

A: We will be offering Winter Break Camp at The Shine Studio from Monday, December 20th through Friday, December 31st for kids 2-11 years old.  We want families to enjoy all the innovative and creative activities they love from our popular summer camp. Activities may include: music and movement, signature Shine craft projects, visits from performing and visual artists, outdoor play, and more! Families can choose from a full day session, or morning or afternoon sessions with the option to stay for lunch. And our Grand Opening Events will be mid-January.

Q: What paint palette, materials, and design aesthetic did you choose, and why?

A: I wanted to go with a clean, beach vibe.  Most of our materials are wood, glass, and natural elements with a slight nod to ‘old-school meets modern.’ We also took a lot of inspiration from our new website, as you can see on our graffiti wall. The Shine Studio offers outdoor and indoor spaces for a wide range of our signature activities. The space was renovated by a team of craftsmen from Benenaula Construction, a local Hamptons construction company, who worked with us on every detail to make our space inviting, functional, beautiful, and modern. We wanted the space to act as a canvas for all the art and energy we are going to create here. It is truly a dream come true.

Q: Which is your personal favorite part of the space and why?

A: That is a hard question! It’s all so new, and I’m discovering things I love each day! The outdoor stage/classroom and The Shine Studio graffiti street art behind it are really special to me. But I also love the Craft Studio. I could spend all day in there.

Q: Give us a virtual tour: Tell us how the different rooms function at the studio.

A: Currently, Studio 1 is our multi-use room: perfect for classes, parties, and a variety of our programming. Studio 2 is our Arts & Crafts Studio that has been custom-designed for the sole purpose of making art!  Studio 3 is currently being used by Our Fabulous Variety Show, the first artists-in-residence as a part of our @Shine program. Their state-of-the-art dance studio will provide a permanent space for classes, rehearsals, and boundless creativity. We are excited to partner with them on joint programming and help to foster their mission of bringing accessible and inclusive arts programming to the East End.

Q: Tell us how you started working with Our Fabulous Variety Show and why we should sign up for a class.

A: I met Anita Boyer, co-founder of OFVS, a little over a year ago when I hired her to teach some dance classes for Shine. I knew immediately if I were able to open a space out here, I wanted her to be involved. Our missions really go hand-in-hand. Kids should sign up for her classes because there is no better program for kids’ dance and theater around! She has an infectious energy and undeniable talent.

Q: Can parents rent out the space for private events? What can you offer hosts and their guests?

A: Absolutely.  The Studio lends itself to being a fabulous event space for gatherings of all ages. With our outdoor space, multiple indoor venues, 1.5 kitchens, lovely bathrooms, the possibilities are really endless. While we could organize an adult craft night, we encourage grown-ups to rent the space and bring in any kind of entertainment or food they desire.

Q: Are all classes, camps, and workshops being held exclusively at the studio now, or will you continue area partnerships with places like the LongHouse Reserve?

A: That’s a very good question.  The short answer is ‘no’. Part of what we do so well is show up in the most unlikely places and run our programming.  We’re hoping that by having a permanent space we can actually attract more local artists, artisans, and specialists to come and run exciting programming year-round! In terms of summer camp, we would never give up a day at LongHouse, so we are planning on offering MWF here at The Studio, Tuesdays at LongHouse, and Thursdays as our pop-up field trip day!

Q: Do you have any drop-in times or classes available for people who have no experience with Shine to check out the space?

A: As an introductory offer, we are allowing one-offs and small class packs that can be used to try a variety of our current programs running. Anyone interested should contact krissy@shinenyc.net to inquire.

Q: How does the new studio better help Shine deliver on its mission?

A: Our mission has always been to help all children shine the light they have inside.  We have been fortunate enough not to need a permanent space for that – and, in many ways, being mobile has afforded us the opportunity to inspire even more children. But setting down roots on the East End and having a space to create, collaborate, and congregate helps to solidify us as a brand and a part of the community. We can now be a destination for anyone who wants to shine their light!

Q: What’s next?

A: If only I knew. If you would have told me, four months ago, I would be sitting in my own process and creative arts studio in the Hamptons, I never would have believed you. I love the adventure that life provides if you follow your passion, work hard, and trust your instincts. We are hoping to begin filming more videos out of The Studio, so kids all over the country can have access to our content. We are also interested in showing local artists in our gallery space, developing branded curricula for a variety of programs, and throwing some pretty awesome parties!

Well, there you have it! All are welcome to check out our new space, we’ve got a few exciting events coming up, and everything you loved about Shine is still available. Contact us at info@shinenyc.net or 212.414.5427 to plan your next visit. 

10 Ways for Families to Practice Gratitude

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Thanksgiving comes but once a year, reminding families that it’s healthy, practical, and helpful to take a moment to be thankful for all the blessings in life. As parents, it’s easy to get lost in dirty diapers, toddler meltdowns, pre-teen attitudes, and the stress of juggling work/home life, but gratitude gives us the ability to slow down, absorb some good from each day, and invite more positivity our way.

Best-selling author Melody Beattie explains, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.” This mental organization is not only helpful for us, but vital to growing young minds, too. Finding fun ways to incorporate gratitude into every day – not just once a year – can help create resilience, positivity, humility, and kindness in our children, which are all powerful forces for inner growth and adaptability.

The Appreciation Chair

Designate a chair at the dinner table as “the appreciation chair” and take turns sitting in it. Go around the table and have everyone say something they admire or appreciate about that person. Share praise and encouragement to lift that person up.

Nature Walks

Make a morning, after-school, or evening walk around the block or local park part of your daily ritual. Kids love scavenger hunts! Before departing, explain that you want everyone to find something they are thankful for on the walk.

Thankful Rocks

You can choose to paint your own rocks or buy polished special rocks. Children can carry these special tokens with them in a pocket for a visual reminder to be thankful that someone loves them. Younger children can read “Being Thankful” by Mercer Mayer, where Little Critter is perpetually unhappy until he spends a day on his grandparents’ farm and receives his own gratitude rock.

Bedtime Rituals

Whether you are religious or not, it’s easy to reflect on the day at bed time and think about the silver linings. Kids often find it challenging to come up with ideas, so you might prompt your child: “Name someone who helped you today.” “Who taught you something today?” “Who supported you today?” “Who challenged you today?” “Who showed they cared about you today?” “Who cheered for you today?”    

Alphabet Memory Game

Like the “I’m Going on a Picnic” game, try going around the table and taking turns listing something you can be grateful for that starts with every letter of the alphabet. Maybe you are grateful for Apple pie, Bedtime stories, and Cozy sweaters, for example!

Send a Card

Instead of connecting with family and friends by sending out hundreds of Christmas cards all at once, choose someone from your list each week to mail a random “thank you” card to. Have everyone share their thoughts on why they’re grateful to know this person. Kids can add drawings that will be forever cherished or you might add your favorite photo memory of the year.

Workbooks

Doing one page from a workbook can be a fun activity to do with a child (ages 8-12), either daily or on the weekends when there’s no homework. The Growth Mindset Workbook for Kids contains inspirational stories, writing prompts, exercises, and activities that not only help with gratitude, but with creative problem-solving and developing a positive attitude, too. You can also try the simple Three Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids, which reminds kids to focus on the good they experience each day.

Paper Chain Craft

Perhaps you remember making paper chains in school as a child. Every day someone in the family can write down a daily blessing on a piece of paper that looped and glued to the next one into an interlocking chain. This home decoration then serves as a visual reminder of all we have to be thankful for.

Service Projects

Subscribe to Doing Good Together, a fantastic resource to help you find family-friendly volunteer service projects in the NYC area. From fighting racism and poverty, to saving the Earth and providing comfort, choosing one or two projects to focus on each month can strengthen your family’s bond, remind the kids that not everyone has such abundance, and provide a way to share good fortune with others. 

Going Without

Lastly, this isn’t exactly “fun,” but it can be useful: try choosing something each month that your family goes without. Maybe it’s foregoing weekly pizza night or desserts, opting for board games instead of tablets, or walking places that are less than two miles away instead of driving. We live in a culture of plenty and it can be easy to take the things we have for granted. Going without reminds us of all that we have.

Apple Recipes To Make the Most of Your Fall Harvest

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Apple picking is an autumn rite-of-passage for many families in the East End. New York State is blessed with more than 55,000 apple orchards to choose from, including our top four East End apple farms for families.

If you’re looking for a fantastic apple this year, you’re in luck! While the growing season started cold and dry, the recent heat built up the sugar content of the apples, while the rainfall increased sizing and the cool nights enhanced the ruby red coloration.

The harvest is abundant, no matter what type of apple you prefer, with 29 to 30 million bushels available in total, on par with the five-year average. Popular Gala and Mcintosh are already available, with Honeycrisp and Fuji starting to appear. Champlain and Hudson Valley exclusives like SnapDragon and RubyFrost may not debut until mid-October.

Once you and the kids have enjoyed a day at the apple farm, you’ll have fresh-picked apples to enjoy for a good six to eight weeks if you store them in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers or like to get creative in the kitchen, we recommend the following apple-inspired recipes to whip up with your little chefs. After all, cooking together has been shown to increase math, science, and literacy skills, while fostering both independence and cooperation in children. 

Easy Apple Pie Bites

If you’re looking for a quick, easy after-school snack, look no further! Upgrade your apple slices by tucking them inside crescent rolls and topping with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. The job is easy enough for kid hands to pull off and cooled down, ready to eat, in less than 30 minutes – what more could you ask for? Get the recipe.

Apfelpfannkuchen

You may prefer calling this a “giant German apple pancake” or a “Dutch Baby,” which sounds just as cute as it is fulfilling. Some serve this as a weekend breakfast or you could prepare it on a Sunday for a quick Monday dinner paired with a hearty salad. You may consider doubling the apples, while cutting the butter and sugar rations in half, for a healthier alternative that still tastes great. Get the recipe.

Apple Crisp

You’ll need five cups of thin-sliced firm, crisp apples to make this delicious treat. The heavenly scent emanates from your oven for 50 minutes as it’s cooking is worth the effort alone! Kids will love shaking up all the ingredients in a plastic bag before dumping it into a pie pan. Don’t forget to buy French vanilla ice cream to dollop on top. Get the recipe.

Apple Bread

You may want to do the apple peeling and coring before you call the kids in to help mix the batter. The end result is a kid-pleaser that isn’t overly sweet, but makes a great breakfast — especially when warmed slightly in the microwave or toaster and spread with a thin layer of butter as you would garnish a banana bread. Get the recipe.

Apple Cheddar Tart

Midwesterners know a thing or two about gussying up their apples with complementary pairings. Few bites are more satisfying than the sticky sweetness of caramelized apple alongside salty, sharp cheddar. This recipe hails from French pastry chef Thomas Raquel who works at La Bernardin, an elite restaurant on West 51st Street, steps from MoMA. The steps are more complex than the previous recipes and involve a bit of dough rolling for an older chef’s apprentice, but we included it for the creativity and local flavor nevertheless. Get the recipe.

Hungry for More?

You can also try our Fresh Cinnamon Cranberry Apple Sauce, dice or grate apples to mix with cabbage coleslaw, grill on a skewer alongside pears and pineapples, or toss with crunchy granola, yogurt, and nuts for a quick apple parfait. If you love the idea of your child cooking, but want someone else to clean up the mess, consider adding one of Shine’s “Kitchen Stars” signature cooking classes to the mix.

Tips For Your Family’s First Drive-In Movie Experience

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If there’s one silver lining of the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions, it’s perhaps the surging popularity of drive-in movies. What once may have been viewed as antiquity is now a practical way to social distance and enjoy a film or two.

A Brief History of the Drive-In

Informal drive-ins date back to 1910, but the first patented experience is said to be the Park-In Theaters in Camden, NJ, circa 1933. Back then, a movie cost a quarter per car and a quarter per person, but never more than $1. The first showing was a not-so-family-friendly feature called “Wives Beware” about a man who faked amnesia to pursue multiple women, but it was a wild success, attracting patrons from 43 states.

Where To See a Drive-In Movie in NYC and the East End

Today, the drive-in is a fun and unique experience, with ample opportunities for NYC families to partake. Upcoming area attractions include: 

  • Wall-E (8/28), Superman (8/31)

Skyline Drive-In (1 Oak St, Brooklyn, NY 11222)

Cost: $55 per car or $19.49 per outdoor seat

  • Willy Wonka (8/27), Wizard of Oz (8/28)

Camp Pouch Drive-In Movie Series (1465 Manor Road, Staten Island)

Cost: $40/car, $10/lawn

  • Spiderman Homecoming (8/28)

Brookhaven Town Hall Parking Lot (1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, Long Island)

Cost: $20 to benefit Boy Scout Troop 454

  • Raya and the Last Dragon (9/24)

Callahan’s Beach (Route 25A, Fort Salonga, NY 11768)

Cost: $10/car

Also, check out the NYC Parks Department website for more pop-up “Movies Under the Stars.”

Follow these tips to hit up the local drive-ins like a seasoned pro:

Make your vehicle more comfortable.

Dress the kids in their pajamas. Bring pillows and blankets to make the car comfortable. If you have a truck, van, or hatchback, you may consider parking backward and throwing an air mattress in the back of your vehicle for supreme comfort. Just be sure to bring Bungee cords, in case the venue requires you to keep your hatch secured below roof-level so as not to obstruct others’ views. Be sure you know where all the light switches are, in case you want to leave a door or hatch open during the show. A small trash can will keep all your popcorn bags, empty juice boxes, and candy wrappers under control. Plates, napkins, cups, and baby wipes are always good to have on hand. If you like the idea of movies under the stars, you might also set up picnic blankets, camp chairs, or inflatable air loungers outside of your vehicle to enjoy the show.   

Plan how you’ll listen to the audio.

There are three options for hearing the film through its designated radio frequency. Either you leave your vehicle running the entire time, creating exhaust and draining your vehicle’s battery; OR you turn your car off and turn it on every 30 minutes or so to recharge the battery; OR you bring a portable FM radio with extra batteries. A solar-powered radio saves you the hassle of batteries altogether.  

Network with friends.

It can be fun to head out to the event with family or friends. Kids especially love the social aspect of going to a drive-in film with cousins and their pals. You can communicate by smartphone or two-way radios if you’re not parked alongside one another.

Arrive early.

Events are often crowded, so you’ll want to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before showtime to get a good parking spot with prime viewing and easy access to the exit. If you’re in a truck or SUV, you may not be allowed to park front and center. Bring board games, books, art supplies, frisbees, soccer balls, a deck of cards, a glow-in-the-dark football, or tablets to occupy your children in the meantime.

Be ready for bathroom breaks.

A flashlight will come in handy if you have kids who will need a restroom during the show. Make sure YOU are in control of the light, so your child does not disturb others. Bug spray is a wise item to pack, as we are into late summer now. Hand sanitizer is another good bet, just in case the restrooms are less-than-accommodating.

Bring food if you can.

Many concession stands are closed now, due to COVID, but some establishments have rules about bringing in outside treats. Read up on the drive-in you’ll be attending beforehand and plan accordingly. You may be able to arrive early and set up a grill or bring takeout pizza. Consider bringing the essentials: popcorn, candy, homemade chocolate chip cookies, soft pretzels with cheese dip, and a cooler with cans of soda. Adults may want to bring a Thermos of coffee to plan for a late night.

Does your child love The Arts? Check out Shine’s Stage Lights class for ages 3-5, 6-7, or 8-10. This performance-based class brings familiar stories to life using music, movement, games, puppets, and more.

Happy Summersgiving!

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Thanksgiving conjures up warm, cozy memories of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, family, friends, and gratefulness. But who says this day has to come just once a year in chilly November? After all, many families now regularly celebrate “Christmas in July.”

Attorney Robert Solomon of Norwood, New Jersey came up with the idea of “Summersgiving” in 2009 to share his favorite holiday traditions with friends on the first Saturday after the summer solstice. “This is a celebration without obligation,” he told a local news outlet. “There’s no need to get anybody presents. There’s no obligation to attend. And you’re not obligated to have your uncle. This is about celebrating with your best friends, and eating your favorite food.”

The first Summersgiving included 15 guests. Word spread like wildfire and Solomon expects upwards of 75 guests these days. Summersgiving is now listed on the National Day Calendar website and has received mentions from at least 200 families on social media. People love summer weather, pools, and backyard parties — and they love the Thanksgiving feast. Lydia Korff of Miami, mother of a teenage son, explained, “For kids today, where there’s so much chaos going on in the world, it’s good to get together with family and friends and trach them the meaning of gratitude.”

It’s not too late to call a few friends for a potluck. Kick off your inaugural Summersgiving with these ideas…

What To Serve

Unlike Thanksgiving, there are no hard-and-fast rules for Summersgiving. The idea is – you’re not shackled to traditions, but feel free to incorporate what you love most. Many hosts opt to make the event a potluck, where everyone brings a dish, to reduce stress. Robert Solomon came from a family of chefs, so he was excited to introduce guests to culinary wonders such as: sweet potato mousse with marshmallow, Broccoli Supreme casserole, cornbread stuffing with Andouille sausage, and turkey roasted over charcoal on a rotisserie spit.

Turkey: What would Thanksgiving be without the turkey? You may opt to “give your turkey a tan” by grilling, deep-frying, or roasting it under a brand new galvanized garbage can. (Truly! Trash can turkey yields a smoky, moist, melt-in-your mouth bird in just two hours!)

Veggies: Roasted Brussels Sprouts are easy to throw on the grill with minimal effort. Adding blue cheese and bacon gives them a heavenly flavor. Corn on the cob is another easy option the kids will surely enjoy. Add cilantro, lime, and paprika if you want to jazz it up. For a healthy appetizer, give the kids avocado toasts with roasted red peppers on top. Here is the official recipe for Robert’s famous Broccoli Supreme.

Carbs: Cornbread stuffing offers a slightly different version for your summer feast. Potatoes are a very “Thanksgiving” side. Try grilled potato skewers that can be mashed plate-side or a sweet potato salad. Biscuits and gravy are a no-fuss accompaniment.

Desserts: Try pumpkin pie with a tropical twist and apple pie for tradition lovers. Luscious lemon bars are a light-tasting dessert catering to adult palates. Kids will enjoy grab-and-go chocolate chip cookie sticks and strawberry shortcakes. Grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream are another option if you’re barbecuing anyway.

Beverages: A few bottles of white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc will pair nicely with turkey. Adults may also enjoy a festive, refreshing cranberry cocktail, while kids can enjoy their own alcohol-free cranberry spritzer.  Bring in summer vibes with pineapple punch. Be sure to have plenty of bottled water on hand.

How To Decorate

There’s no shortage of decorations available at Party City and Oriental Trading Post, but you don’t have to go crazy to make your yard look festive. Often, a party tent with a few fairy lights and paper lanterns changes the entire vibe and creates a definitive sense of “place.” You can’t go wrong with elegant white table covers and beautiful fresh-cut flowers centerpieces, creatively displayed in watering cans or hollowed-out pineapples.

Why do it all yourself? Spend a day preparing with the kids, while teaching them how to plan a special party. Here are some traditional Thanksgiving place-setting crafts for the kids to make – or you may want to try one of these summery crafts that double as party favors.

If you like dressing festive, you can order a Summersgiving shirt for next year or make your own design.

What To Do

Now that your family is no longer confined indoors, there’s a wealth of possibility for backyard fun:

  • Setup a game of cornhole, horseshoes, croquet, or carnival games for the kids.
  • Turn on the sprinkler, fill water balloons, or hop in the pool to get wet and wild.
  • Kids love messy and outdoors is the perfect place for Play Doh, paint, tie-dye, bubbles, and sand art.
  • Set up a summer scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt with a chest of Dollar Store toys at the end.
  • Build an obstacle course with cones, hula hoops, stepping stones, and balls.
  • Hang a pinata filled with goodies to hit blindfolded with a bat.
  • Have the kids put together this easy palm tree craft, adding note of gratitude for each leaf.

If you live in the East End of NYC, contact Shine to bring the fun. We’ll entertain all the little ones at your backyard party with a full, engaging program of music, art, sports, culinary, crafting, nature exploration, and more. We bring all the supplies and clean up afterward. Contact us for pricing and scheduling details.  

How To Remember It

As the saying goes, “The days drag, but the years fly by!” Don’t forget to capture the memories.

  • Take lots of pictures! Create a Google Photos Album for Summersgiving to share and look back on.
  • Get at least one big group photo of all your guests assembled together.
  • If you can, take a few short videos to record the sights and sounds. Interview people about their day.
  • Jot down your most precious memories in a Summersgiving journal.

Your Family’s Guide to Memorial Day Weekend in the Hamptons

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Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many families observe this federal holiday with visits to grave sites, parades, and backyard gatherings. The three-day weekend invites families in the Hamptons to look for creative ways to spend their leisure time together. For East Enders, Memorial Day weekend also kicks off beach season, so you may want to consider celebrating with surf and sun.

Here are some of the best options for a Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons 2021:

Jones Beach State Park

(2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh)

The legendary sand and sea, ocean boardwalk, and concession stands offer plenty of entertainment; but this weekend, you can check out their annual Air Show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds from 10 am to 3 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Capacity will be limited to 50%, so be sure to purchase your $10 advance parking pass if your family plans to attend. The WildPlay Adventure Park is also open from 10am – 8pm, featuring ziplines, wobbly bridges, and obstacle courses for ages 5+.

Hither Hills State Park  

(164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk)

Families flock to Hither Hills State Park for a pleasant stretch of sandy ocean beach, along with hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, picnic tables, playing fields, fishing, and a playground. Don’t miss the unique Napeague Harbor “walking dunes” trail. Make it a trip and camp overnight in a tent, cabin, or camper; bathrooms and a changing area make it easier for those with littler ones.

Orient Beach State Park

(40000 Main Rd, Orient)

Rent kayaks or canoes from the Eagles Neck Paddling Company to paddle the calm, scenic Hallock’s Bay. Kids love the large playgrounds, but you can also walk the salt marsh to encounter herons, egrets, and osprey in their natural habitats. Visitors can swim, paddle-board, hike, bike, walk the nature trails, and picnic. Orient Beach is also a U.S. Light House Society Passport Stamp Location, which could be a fun scavenger hunt type activity for the kids.

Splish Splash

(2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton)

If the temperatures heat up, it’s worth the 40-minute drive to Splish Splash, which opens for the season Saturday, May 29th. The park recently added two new extreme slides, Bombs Away and Riptide Race, for older daredevils. The yellow submarine splash pad, Lazy River, Pirates Cove, Soak City, Octopus Pool, and Monsoon Lagoon are fun attractions for all ages.

Garden of Eve Farm

(4558 Sound Ave, Riverhead)

It’s not too late to catch the tail-end of Tulip Fest at Garden of Eve, just a 30 minute drive from The Hamptons in nearby Riverhead. Open from 11am – 4pm, you’ll enjoy a free hayride to the East End’s only u-pick tulip field – the perfect family photo opp! Tulips cost $1 per stem or $10 for a dozen. Farm animals on-site include chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goat, pigs, and horses. Other attractions include: the Huge Hay Tower to climb, Bouncy Town, a tube slide, sandbox, pedal kart track (ages 2+), and a Play Castle with swings.

Party – at Your House!

If you’re having a backyard barbecue, consider booking Shine educators to keep the kids entertained. We’re also accepting new applicants for our summer workshops and camps, which combine art, culture, music, nature, and physical activity in unique East End locations. Contact us for details.

 

Perfect Picnic Hacks for Parents

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“A picnic is more than eating a meal,” said cookbook author DeeDee Stovel. “It is a pleasurable state of mind.” The weather is warming up and quarantine fatigue is setting in hard. We’re all looking for ways to reconnect with our kids and make our weekends count. A picnic in the park is the perfect way to make a weekend afternoon feel more festive. Friday, April 23rd is National Picnic Day – so what better excuse? All it takes is a little planning and a little patience. Here are our best picnic hacks to ensure a smooth day trip.

Kid-Friendly Picnic Foods

  • Pre-grilled foods – try seasoned ribs, chicken skewers, eggplant, corn, and zucchini.
  • Side salads – skip mayo for Asian dressed coleslaw or mustard German potato salad.
  • Veggies – satisfy with mini carrots, sliced peppers, cherry tomato, and olives.
  • Snacks – grab hummus and crackers, tortilla chips, PB crackers, Goldfish, or pretzels.
  • Trail mix – fuel up with yogurt raisins, dried banana, cashews, cranberries, and seeds.
  • Meats – for carnivores, pack sliced or string cheese, pepperoni, and cocktail weenies.
  • Popsicles – but don’t forget to bring cupcake liners to serve as drip trays. Genius!
  • Watermelon/fruit kebabs – pre-chop and skewer to make it neater and more accessible.
  • Dessert – keep it simple with cherries, strawberries, brownie bites, and butter cookies.
  • Dirt cups – crush Oreos on the bottom, adding chocolate pudding and gummy worms.

Picnic Sandwich Secrets

Hate a soggy sandwich? So do we! Here are a few tips:

  • Make your sandwich as late as possible for optimal freshness.
  • Once the sandwich hits room temperature, eat within two hours.
  • Use ice packs and an insulated cooler to add a few hours of shelf life.
  • Pack watery ingredients like cucumber, tomato, and onion slices separate.
  • Avoid sandwich bags, which increase condensation. Wrap in foil.
  • Choose a robust bread, like rye, tortilla, pita, a hard roll, or baguette.

Want an easy, hassle-free experience? Central Park offers a baguettini sandwich, apple, bag of chips, cookie, and bottled water – a picnic basket to-go for $12.

Best NYC Picnic Spots

Not sure where to go? The options are vast, but consider:

Central Park’s “East Green” offers shady trees and ample room for fun. The East 72nd Street Playground is located nearby, with water features in the summer. The Conservatory Water offers model boat sailing, concessions, and restrooms. A short walk south to the Central Park Zoo rounds out the afternoon. 

It’s a busy spot, but Empire Fulton Ferry Park offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Arrive early to grab a picnic table with an umbrella. Nearby you’ll find Jane’s Carousel, the nautical-themed Main Street Playground, and restrooms.

In Long Island City, Queens, Socrates Sculpture Garden is a waterfront park hosting oversized sculptures to gaze upon, as well as ample shade and enclosed spaces for inquisitive youngsters to explore. Hallets Cove just north of the park offers free kayak rentals.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park provides beautiful, well-kept grounds showcasing nature’s beauty with greenhouses and gardens. Hands-on programming for children and mansion tours offer optional entertainment.

Wading River’s Wildwood State Park overlooks Long Island Sound. Have a picnic within the park in the shady picnic table grove or down on the sand. There are showers, camping sites, fishing, hiking, and a playground for the kids. 

Themes for Picnics with Kids

Want to change it up from the humdrum old picnic of yesteryear? Try these creative twists:

  • Teddy bear picnic – Invite your child’s favorite stuffed animals along.
  • Puzzle picnic – Melissa & Doug offer wooden jigsaw puzzles to enjoy in the fresh air.
  • Dress-up picnic – Dress in costume for a a princess and/or super hero party.
  • Water party – bring water balloons, squirt guns, and bathing suits.

Picnic Games & Activities

  • Active games include cornhole, KanJam, ring toss, bocce, football, frisbee, or soccer.
  • Spend the afternoon painting rocks and hide them around the park for people to find.
  • Surely we all remember playing Tic Tac Toe, blowing bubbles, and chalk drawings.
  • Go through the alphabet with the “I’m going on a picnic” memory game.
  • UPicnic entertains up to five kids with bubbles, music, puppets, and games for a fee.

Picnic Reads

There’s magic in the air, reading outdoors. Bring a few picnic books along:

Must-Have Picnic Supplies

Sometimes one or two items make all the difference in the world:

  • Picnic basket – or up your picnic game with an oversized insulated bag.
  • Picnic blanket – or a tablecloth if you’ve got a table nearby.
  • Sunblock – or an umbrella to save you from the UV.
  • Baby wipes – for inevitably messy hands!
  • Music speaker – play Amazon’s Portable Sunshine, Grill & Chill, or Kids Birthday Party.
  • Frozen water bottles – as a space saving way to keep food cold and guests hydrated.
  • Talcum powder – sprinkle a border around your blanket to keep ants and bugs away.
  • Mesh food screens or a portable fan – to keep flying insects out of the food.
  • Waterproof shower curtain – if you’ve had bad luck in the past with soggy swamp grass.
  • A change of clothes – a backpack with an extra set of clothes can save much complaint.
  • Trash bag – leave no trace!

Looking for more ways to entertain the kids? Contact SHINE to learn about our classes, workshops, parties, and day camps in New York City and the Hamptons.

Virtual Exhibits for Black History Month

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Black History Month encourages us to consider the many achievements of African-Americans throughout history. The commemoration dates back to a week-long event pioneered by scholar Carter G. Woodson, which transformed into a month-long celebration in 1970. If you feel comfortable wearing a mask, we encourage you to check out the Brooklyn Children Museum’s Black Future Festival this weekend. Otherwise, there are plenty of convenient and unique ways to dive into cultural history online, without leaving your home.  

Black History Month at the New York Public Library (NYPL)

NYPL offers a treasure trove of Black History Month activities for families, including:

  • Picture Books Reading List – Request a physical copy or e-book, or access online instantly, using Digital Books or Bookshare accounts. Featured books cover famous personalities like Martin Luther King Jr and Duke Ellington, but also everyday experiences like running a bookstore, coping with the grief of loss, and working cotton fields as a young child in California.
  • Be sure to check out the Schomberg Center’s curated list of “Black Liberation List for Young Readers,”accommodating physical copy requests and free checkout of e-books on Overdrive.
  • Watch NYPL Story Time – Librarians read their favorite books featuring black characters or written by African-American authors about the black experience. Stories include “Sulwe,” “Black Girl Magic,” and “My Rainy Day Rocket Ship.”
  • Black History Month Kids Events – Every day features different virtual events, from a chat and draw for ages 8-12 with black cartoonists and Black History Month Jeopardy, to read-aloud craft-alongs and book discussions.

Poe Park Visitor Center’s Black History Month Exposition

Poe Park Visitor Center is a community hub of art, literature, fitness, and community events in the Bronx. All exhibits have been moved online this year due to the ongoing pandemic:

  • Documentary photography: Michael Young; Trevon Blondet.
  • Mixed-media: Terrenceo Hammonds; Betty J. Murray; Gloria Zapata; Gregorio Velez.
  • Paintings: James Deliard; Josipa Kecman.
  • Wood prints: Joan Barnes.
  • Digital collage: Patrice J. Payne.

The New Museum’s Jordan Casteel Exhibit, “Within Reach”

Painter Jordan Casteel seeks to tell the stories of the overlooked people of color who bring the city to life, from Harlem street musicians and a little boy on a lap, to art students at Rutgers University and merch sellers. The virtual tour features 40 colorful, oversized portraits.

New York Botanical Garden’s Black History Month at Home

You’ll be missing the sweet smells of the blooms this year, but you can expect the same high-quality, family-friendly programming, such as:

  • A welcome message from NY State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.
  • A performance, “Let Us Pull Together,” by the Harambee Dance Company.
  • A “Tree Time” read-aloud, education segment, and activity for children ages 4-8.

National Portrait Gallery’s Portraits of African-Americans

This comprehensive collection of famous faces is a national treasure, featuring brief bios and photographs, sketches, and paintings of everyone from Frederick Douglas and Jackie Robinson, to Shirley Chisholm and former President Barack Obama.

National Museum of African-American History & Culture’s Joyful Fridays

Though the NMAAHC is closed during the pandemic, they’re offering webinar-style Zoom classes featuring literature, discussion, and art, geared toward kids ages 4-8, taking inspiration from the Joyful ABC Activity Book series. On the 26th, they’ll be creating protest word paintings. Past activities include hat-making, portrait art, and sculpting from recycled materials.

We celebrate Black History Month as part of embracing a multicultural world and an important step in raising children who are wiser and kinder. If you liked this list, be sure to check out Shine’s “How To Raise a Culturally Sensitive Kid.” You will find a diverse and inclusive atmosphere at any of our upcoming classes, camps, parties, and workshops. We are open and operating under all the CDC and local COVID-19 protocols.

Top 5 Activities for Child Heart Health

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ve no doubt prepared a special surprise for your little sweeties, but have you thought about your child’s physical heart health lately?

It seems like kids are in perpetual motion, so we assume they’re getting plenty of exercise just fidgeting, running around the house, and jumping on the furniture. Yet, nearly 60% of American children lack healthy cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a new scientific statement published by the American Heart Association. 

What Is Cardiorespiratory Fitness?

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) refers to the circulatory and respiratory systems’ ability to supply oxygen to muscles during sustained physical activity. Kids with optimal cardiorespiratory fitness have healthier heart and blood vessels, perform better in school, thin more clearly, and enjoy higher levels of self-worth and overall life satisfaction. Further, good CRF reduces the risk of lung cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The best way to measure CRF is with a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill. While most pediatricians do not test for cardiorespiratory fitness, there are ways to promote cardiorespiratory fitness if you’re unsure where your child stands.

5 Best Activities for Your Child’s Heart Health    

The “best activity” is tailored to your child’s interests, but here are a few options:

  • Running and Power Walking – Getting outside as a family, setting goals, and jogging together is the best way to encourage your child to pick up the sport. Relay races can be fun, especially if you have the “leader” call out the type of movement – whether it’s running, galloping, skipping, or jumping. You can also work in shorter bursts of running throughout the day with Level Up, Sonic the Hedgehog, or video game workouts on YouTube.
  • Swimming – Normally, the NYC Parks Department runs a lotto in early March for free swimming lesson sessions and hosts plenty of venues for swimming outdoors all summer long. COVID-19 concerns have put the squeeze on these programs for now, but you can still swim at Roosevelt Island FREE of charge on a first-come first-served basis, and also at paid lesson sites like Imagine Swimming!, Aqua Skills, and Physique Swimming.
  • Dancing – It doesn’t take anything more than the right music to throw a family dance party. Try this kid-friendly dance party playlist if you need the inspiration. The Just Dance video game is a blast if you own a Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Xbox 360. There are plenty of places to find free virtual dance classes, too – ABTots, and the National Dance Institute, to name a few.
  • Jumping Rope – Once you’ve purchased a jump rope, it will take some time for your child to build their skills and learn the basic technique. In no time, your child will be learning jump rope songs and trying out Double Dutch. After a while, older kids can test their abilities with the Star Wars Jump Rope Challenge and learn a few tricks to impress their friends.
  • High Intensity Sports like Basketball & Soccer – It doesn’t cost much to pick up a soccer ball or basketball and play with your child. If you prefer formal instruction and group activities, kids as young as 3 can join the Dribbl program or Chelsea Piers’ youth basketball. NYC Basketball Kids also offers summer and holiday break camps for kids 5 and up. Soccer Shots is an amazing program that teaches kids traditional values like self-esteem and respect, while combining basic soccer skills and fun imaginative games for kids as young as two. The City Parks Foundation also has a free summer program if you’d like to test out the waters to see if soccer is something your child would like.

Shine NYC would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Here are a few crafting projects and DIY valentine recommendations to enjoy after all that physical activity. Check out these picture books if you’re staying in, or consider going out to one of the children’s museums.

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