Everything You Need To Know About Kid Parties in a Socially Distant NYC

June 25, 2020/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Party/by Shine

There’s good news if your child has a summer birthday: New York City moving toward reopening after the statewide PAUSE. As of June 8^th, our region entered phase one, meaning that 10 or fewer people may gather. By phase three, we’ll be allowed to gather in groups up to 25.

Is a Kid Birthday Party Risky During a Coronavirus Pandemic?

At this point, any contact outside your home pod elevates your risk of COVID-19 transmission, but the 1 percent virus positive test rate is minuscule enough that having a small backyard gathering may not raise the hairs on the back of your neck, especially if you’re friends with several other families that generally minimal contact with others and practice social distancing.

True social distancing can be a challenge with young children. Ideally, each guest would remain six feet apart and wear masks in close passing or when dishing food. Older kids may be able to follow these guidelines, but you may want to consider hosting a Zoom party or a more structured format for younger kids.

Socially Distant Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

There are many ways to celebrate a child’s birthday, even with social distancing in place:

Birthday Parades – Decorate a special chair into an honorary “throne” for the day and set it up curbside, while friends and family drive by with balloons, signs, and music playing. Oriental Trading has a number of themed decorations you can pass out to guests before the big day. You could also ask your guests to dress up in old Halloween costumes to make the parade more entertaining. Gifts can be dropped off to a point person at the end of the caravan if you wish.
Movie Parties – Drive-ins are likely to be all the rage this summer. Staten Island BBQ will be showing classic kid-friendly films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Greenpoint’s new Skyline Drive-In overlooks the East River and Manhattan skyline and welcomes guests who may not have a car to park as well. If you have a grand to spend and would like a more intimate backyard movie party, you could hire Arcade Specialties – or you could source your own materials for less.
Picnic Parties – A number of NYC restaurants offer picnic takeout and there are plenty of parks to choose for your setting. Blue Moon Mexican Café offers birthday takeout for six, which includes fixins’ for tacos or fajitas, a dessert platter, beverages, sombreros, and birthday candles. Armed with little more than a cooler, a basket, and a blanket, you’ll have a unique and memorable way to celebrate a birthday with one or two other families. Social distancing will be easier to follow, using the blankets themselves as “safe zones.”
Zoom Parties and Virtual Performers – Everyone can join a party from their own comfortable space at home, while a virtual performer sets the agenda so it’s meaningful for the participants and not just anarchy. BubbleDad can wow kids with bubble characters, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, and shared secrets on how to blow the perfect bubble. Yogi Beans will virtually host up to 25 kids with themes like unicorn, safari, or undersea that take kids through yoga activities, a Choose-Your-Own adventure, and a birthday singing – all recorded for your viewing pleasure later. Hire My Fairytale Party to have your child’s favorite princess, hero, or character sing, read, and play games with your group. Sammie & Tudie’s Imagination Playhouse offers an interactive 30-minute Zoom “comedy magic circus” geared toward ages 3 to 8. Kids ages 7+ can make a clay creation – like a bird, shark, dish, cupcake, or dinosaur — led by Clay Art Center or you can have your group make something yummier (like pizza, soft pretzels, muffins, or cookies) along with Taste Buds Kitchen.

Shine Party Boxes Make Your Social Distancing Event Special

This summer, we are pleased to offer the best in high-quality child birthday entertainment, whether you’re celebrating in the backyard with a small group or connecting virtually with friends from afar.

Custom Curated Birthday Party Boxes have been in high demand during quarantine. It’s the next best thing to a fully hosted event. We’ll create custom curated party boxes based on whatever theme you’d like and send them out to all the kids attending your virtual party.

Our first-ever party box, delivered to the birthday child and each invited guest, featured a jolly good pirate theme, complete with costumes, props, treasure maps, gold doubloons, treasure, stickers, tattoos, and all the art supplies needed to make our signature treasure chest craft.

On the day of your event, we’ll dress the part, singing, dancing, and performing live music to complement your theme. Our programming is highly customizable with games, surprise character visits, and baking or crafting activities. We’ll work with you to ensure your child feels attended to on this momentous occasion.

Other Shine birthday options include:

Online classes – Enjoy our signature mix of art, music, cooking, crafts, exercise, and more from the comfort of your own home – in a private family session or with friends!
Craft bags – Shine Director Aaron Goldschmidt leads engaging Zoom classes paired with craft bags delivered to the homes of all party attendees. Complete up to four signature Shine crafts. We’ve done lanterns, wreaths, decorated journals, puppets, masks, flower pots, vases, bird feeders, tie-dye, bridge paintings, sand art, and more. Check out our quarantine craft bag highlight to see some of what we offer.
Private day camps – Host up to eight kids (ages 4-11) with activities ranging from arts and crafts, outdoor science, and nature exploration, to sports and games, percussion workshops, and educational programming. Space is very limited, so email info@shinenyc.net to reserve your spot asap!

We want to help you through this difficult time! Call 212-414-5427 or email info@shinenyc.net to learn more about offerings, options, and pricing.

5 Simple Things You and Your Kids Can Do To Give Back During the COVID-19 Quarantine

May 5, 2020/in Guide, Learn, Make, Party/by Shine

“The darker the storm, the brighter the rainbow.”

By now, you’ve had a few weeks to adjust to the “new normal.” You likely have a routine, you’ve explained the situation to your children, and you’re busy keeping up with school work. Yet, you may also be feeling tinges of emptiness, anxiety, or helplessness. During a time of crisis, it can be cathartic to reach out to others. Use this time productively to demonstrate the kindness, charity, and thoughtfulness you want your kids to assimilate. Joining together in a service project bonds the family closer together and helps your children with anxiety and boredom as well.

1. Take care of your own.

First and foremost, practice social distancing! By now, scientists have talked until they’re blue in the face about the dire need of flattening the curve by staying at home with your immediate family members. With reduced work hours and homeschooling in full effect, you’re likely to be spending a LOT more family time these days.

However, don’t forget about family members who may be missing your family or enduring the quarantine in complete isolation from others. Make it a habit – if not daily, then at least weekly – to catch up with grandparents, cousins, friends, or even your child’s classmates.

Many people are using FaceTime, Zoom, or the House Party app to visually connect with others. You can also tape video messages on your smartphone and text them directly to others. Another alternative (for longer videos) is to upload them to YouTube, list them as “unshared” to keep them unsearchable, and send the link to your desired recipient via text or email. You can also create beautiful works of art with the kids to mail to loved ones the old-fashioned way with a stamp. Share a little bit of your day with other parents who are also feeling their way through this Brave New World of homeschooling.

2. Lend a helping hand to your neighbors.

Consider what you can do for your neighbors, particularly the elderly or homebound. Use this template to print out viral kindness postcards to place in mailboxes, offering assistance – whether it’s picking up a few items from the store, completing yard work, or making a friendly wellness call.

If you’re feeling too cooped up and need to get out into the community, New York Cares is in need of volunteers to help with a number of projects. You might pack meal bags for delivery to seniors, bag produce, or serve at a local food pantry.

Show your support for neighborhood walkers by posting one of these popular rainbow signs in your window with an encouraging message. Some kids are also using sidewalk chalk to write messages of cheer, hope, love, and togetherness. You might consider thanking “essential personnel” that may be coming to your home, such as a postal worker or delivery person.

3. Make sure there’s enough food for everyone.

A number of organizations are providing for the hungry. More than 80,000 New Yorkers filed for unemployment in March, so we can only assume the number of people who suddenly can’t afford groceries is skyrocketing similarly. You can feed five people for $1 with your donation to The Food Bank of NYC.

Make it a family affair by using this opportunity to talk to your kids about the importance of giving money to local food banks. You might read a book like Maddi’s Fridge or Last Stop on Market Street to help younger child understand that some children are less fortunate, particularly during economic downturns like the one we’re facing now.

Charities like City Harvest openly encourage young volunteerism. Kids can get involved with the “Draw Hope To Drive Hope” campaign by: coloring or designing a donation food truck or lunch bag. Socially share using hashtag #WeAreCityHarvest to raise awareness, then mail the finished illustration to drivers on the front lines at drawhope@cityharvest.org or City Harvest Food Rescue Facility, 55-01 2^nd Street, Queens NY 11101, ATTN: Francesca. Do your part by sending in a financial contribution; just $15 feeds 55 children for a day. You can double your donation amount by texting LUNCH to 20222, which will not only make a $15 donation, but will include a matched amount from Danone North America (up to $100K).

Of course, you’d hate to hear that all your favorite restaurants have gone out of business after this is all over. Order out from your favorite NYC eatery offering takeout at least once a week to support your local community. As an added bonus, you can donate to restaurants that are raising funds to feed busy healthcare workers.

4. Adopt a pet.

Now that you are spending more time at home, it could be the right time to expand your family. Adopting a pet is a loving gesture that your kids will really enjoy. New animals require lots of attention during their initial adjustment phase, with a structured routine, lots of play, and daily training sessions. Be sure you specifically check off the box to search “good with children.”

Animal Care Centers of NYC is not allowing tours of the buildings as per usual, but if you see a pet that pulls at your heart strands on their website, a care coordinator can set up a meeting. You may also consider donating animal food, cleaning supplies, bedding, leashes, collars, and bowls to a local animal shelter. They are always in need.

5. Help classmates celebrate their birthdays.

It can be difficult for children to cope with having a quarantine birthday. They miss out on all the special treats they’ve seen other kids receive on their birthdays earlier in the school year – be it a crown, a special song, or cupcakes brought in by parents. They may also be missing out on a party with friends, presents, and a place they really love.

Reach out to your child’s teacher to find out who is celebrating a birthday coming up. For classmates your child is not besties with, you can simply create a “Happy Birthday” sign to send virtually – or you might record a video to pass along. Organizing a virtual Zoom Party can be a fun way to get the whole class together, at least for a song.

For friends, cousins, and classmates your child is closer to, you might consider sending a small gift and calling them up for a video chat. Some families do car parades, sending their drive-by wishes, honking horns. You might place balloons on a porch railing, decorate the yard, or draw chalk messages in their driveways (with parental permission, of course!)

If your child is the one having a quarantine birthday, consider different ways to make the day special. Create a balloon waterfall to rain down on your child when he or she opens the door in the morning. Pick a theme. For instance, you might pitch a tent and have a pretend campout at home or set up a projection screen movie. Set up a scavenger hunt where one present leads to another throughout the house and yard. Spend the day cooking a favorite ethnic meal or baking together, filming your child’s contribution like a cooking show. FaceTime with friends and family throughout the day. Families have been doing dress-up princess tea parties, beach parties with blow-up pools full of pillows and blankets in the living room, and ice cream sundaes.

We look forward to seeing you in our classes and workshops after the quarantine is over!

And while still in quarantine, click here to learn more about our craft bags and online classes!

How Different Cultures Celebrate December Holidays

December 7, 2019/in Celebrate, Guide, Learn, Party/by Shine

When the ground freezes and the earth is covered in a blanket of snow, we tend to think of hibernation, rest, and quietude. Busy cultural calendars around the world stand in juxtaposition, as the colder months prove a time of feast and festivity. Learning about other traditions around the world is an interesting lesson in history, religion, and culture, but also an important opportunity to promote greater tolerance, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. Here are 10 different December holidays you may introduce to your child to provoke discussion and reflection of the winter season.

St. Nicholas Day (December 6, 2019)

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Eastern Christian religions — particularly in Russia and Greece, where Saint Nicholas is the patron saint. The Roman Empire bishop is known for generosity, kindness toward children, calming the seas, and performing miracles. The feast day is celebrated with children’s masses, special hymns, and prayer. In Western and Central European countries like Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and the Netherlands — where children put out a boot for St. Nicholas on December 5^th in hopes of receiving small coins, candy, oranges, toys, or glass ornaments in the morning. Historical recordings dating back to medieval times allege that nuns used the night of December 6^th to distribute anonymous baskets of food and clothing at the doorsteps of the needy.

St. Lucia Day (December 13, 2019)

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland to honor the third-century virgin martyr. She is recognized as a symbol of light and purity, so the eldest daughter of the family dresses up in a long white gown with a red sash and wreath of burning candles on her head. She awakens the family by singing songs and bringing them coffee and twisted saffron buns called lussekatter (Lucia cats). Finland celebrates the day with a torchbearer parade of light. Norwegians hold processions through schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycares, and senior centers to warm the heart and celebrate emergence out of the darkest winter nights.

Winter Solstice (December 21, 2019)

Winter Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by cultures all around the world. The shortest day of the year may have been observed as early as the Neolithic Period (the end of the Stone Age) in 10,200 BC. Archaeologists theorize monuments like Newgrange in Ireland, Maeshowe in Scotland, and Stonehenge in England were a place of December ritual. Today, there are large gatherings at these sites. Ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a weeklong holiday of feasting and drinking in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January, where they would feast until a large Yule log burned out. Zuni and Hopi Native American tribes commemorate the beginning of the new year with ceremonial mask dances, fires, and gift-giving. From hot yuzu fruit baths in Japan, to the “Burning of Clocks” in Brighton, England, Winter Solstice is celebrated in different ways around the world.

Hanukkah (December 22-30, 2019)

Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah, a religious holiday honoring the Maccabee’s victory over King Antiochus, who forbade Jews from practicing their religion. During the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the menorah’s candles were said to have miraculously burned for eight nights, even though there was only enough oil for a single day. Today, nine menorah candles are lit in the home for eight nights. During Hanukkah, blessings are said, special foods like potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are eaten, songs are sung, and children spin tops called dreidels to win nuts, raisins, and chocolate coins. Holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah are much more significant to the religion, but Hanukkah is special to many families as a cherished winter tradition nonetheless.

Christmas (December 25, 2019)

Christmas originated as a religious holiday celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Religious celebrations involve candle-lit wreaths to represent the four weeks of Advent, songs like “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” readings of Christmas stories in the Bible, the display of Nativity Scenes, and December 24^th Midnight mass in darkness to celebrate the birth of light. Over the years, Christmas has been adopted by non-Christian peoples as a secular holiday of gift-giving, decorating, caroling, storytelling, and feasting. Traditions vary around the world. Evergreen trees decorated with ornaments and lights date back to 16^thCentury Germany. In Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, people head out to the beach and decorate a Christmas Bush. Depictions of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, based loosely on Saint Nicholas, go back at least as far as the reign of Henry VIII, where he appeared in plays wearing fur-lined green or red robes to deliver peace, joy, food, wine, and good cheer. Some say Santa arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver gifts to good girls and boys, but he arrives by boat in Hawaii and on water skis in Australia. Instead of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, children in England leave mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas. Iceland has thirteen Santas known as Yule Lads who leave small gifts for good children in shoes left on the window sill, and potatoes in the shoes of naughty children. From lantern festivals in the Philippines and Kentucky Fried Chicken dinners in Japan, to 42-foot-tall straw yule goats in Sweden and late night fireworks in Brazil, there is no shortage of ways to observe Christmas around the world.

Kwanzaa (December 26, 2019 – January 1, 2020)

Kwanzaa is a relatively young holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 following the Watts riots in Los Angeles. He wanted to reconnect African Americans to African culture roots, borrowing traditions from Swahili “first fruit” harvest celebrations. Celebrations include song, dance, drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and feasts. On each of the seven nights, a child lights a candle on the Kinara to represent the seven principle values of African culture: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Though it is celebrated mostly in America, more than 20 million people now celebrate the holiday from Jamaica, London, and South Africa, to Ghana, Toronto, and Paris — as seen in the documentary “The Black Candle.”

Boxing Day (December 26, 2019)

The observation of Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages as a day where the church collection boxes for the poor were distributed to communities. Servants were given the day off to celebrate Christmas with their families. Boxing Day is now a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where mail carriers and trade professionals enjoy a day of rest. For retail workers, Boxing Day is the busiest shopping day of the year, due to post-Christmas sales. In Ireland, they celebrate St. Stephen’s Day. In the Bahamas, the Junkanoo street parade and festival is held on Boxing Day. Not only is it a popular day of continued celebration and shopping, but also sport – with horse races, soccer matches, and ice hockey contests in European nations.

Ōmisoka (December 31, 2019)

Japan’s New Year’s Eve called Ōmisoka is considered one of the most important days of the year. Families visit shrines or temples at midnight for joya-no-kane, the striking of large cast bells for each of the 108 earthly desires that cause human suffering. Families gather to enjoy a feast of soba or udon noodles for one last time in the old year. Homes are cleaned and de-cluttered from top to bottom in osoji (the big cleaning). Many people also look forward to the national broadcast of the Red vs. White Singing Competition, which is akin to our “American Idol” competition.

Hogmanay (December 31, 2019)

During the Protestant Reformation, Christmas was banned in Scotland for some 400 years, so prior to 1958, the biggest winter holiday was Hogmanay, which started on December 31^stand spilled over into the New Year. Families gathered for bonfires, large feasts, and the cleaning out of the fireplace. Many people still recognize the ancient tradition of “first-footing,” where it is believed the household is presented with good fortune when the first person to cross the threshold is a dark-haired male. (In those days, a red or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman!) Different parts of Scotland have their own quaint Hogmanay traditions as well. For instance, Edinburgh is home to a huge street party and torchlight processions; balls of fire swing through the fishing village of Stonehaven; and fancy-dressed partiers swim in the icy waters of Firth of Forth at South Queensferry in what is called “the Loony Dook.”

New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2019)

“Out with the old and in with the new” is the idea behind the celebration of New Year’s Eve. Since New Year’s Day is a public holiday, the night before is spent feasting, partying, and ringing in the New Year at midnight. Most countries celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks – with the largest displays in New York’s Times Square; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Dubai, UAE. In Spain, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight to represent each month of the New Year. In Denmark, old plates and glasses are broken against the doors of friends and family to banish bad spirits. In Columbia, three “fortune-telling” potatoes are placed under the bed and pulled out at midnight – one peeled (financial problems), one unpeeled (abundance), and one half-peeled (something in between). In Ecuador, families symbolically burn a straw man at midnight in hopes that their faults with disappear with him. In Canada, New Year’s Eve is a popular ice-fishing day.

No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, you can find a place at Shine. We foster natural curiosity about cultures from around the world through crafts, storytelling, music, and culinary delights. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of inclusive workshops, classes, parties, and enrichment activities.

7 Hidden Gems in the Hamptons

September 12, 2019/in Fun, Guide, Learn, Party, Play/by Shine

Whether you live in the East End or you’re looking to get out of Manhattan for a day, the Hamptons provide a wealth of environmental treasures for families. These destinations evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and imagination in young and old alike. Shine play groups meet at some of these locations on a weekly basis, while others we visit for special events, parties, and workshops. With the Indian summers we’ve been having, autumn is the perfect season to get out and explore some of these hidden gems at a time when the crowds are thin.

LongHouse Reserve

Stroll this 16-acre sculpture garden to find a giant chess board designed by Yoko Ono, a beautiful pond with lotus plants and frogs on lily pads, and Buckminster Fuller’s iconic “Fly’s Eye Dome,” designed with water collection systems and solar panels as a “self-sufficient home of the future.” Kids delight in the maze-like layout, while embarking upon a scavenger hunt for the unique and captivating. All ages are welcome, but the ideal age is six and up, as they are less likely to climb on the sculptures, shout at the top of their lungs, or be tempted to play hide-and-seek.

Visit: 133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 613-604-5330, www.longhouse.org

Bridge Gardens

Part of the Peconic Land Trust, designed to preserve Long Island’s working farms and natural lands, the five acres of Bridge Gardens offer the perfect respite from City life for birdwatching, painting, photography, and nature study in the heart of Bridgehampton. The land boasts a collection of perennial and annual beds, as well as hedgerows and herb gardens. The garden hosts many educational and family-friendly events in partnership with Shine and the local children’s museum.

Visit: 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7440, www.peconiclandtrust.org

Children’s Museum of the East End

Parents and children alike will enjoy the magic of this interactive play center geared toward ages 2-7. The town-like setting takes families through a farmers’ market, a windmill, a potato chip factory, a 1950s diner, a library, a fire station, a construction site, a pirate shipwreck, and a musical forest. Active children will delight in the wooden climbing structures, soft foam areas, and slides. Keep an eye out for classes, workshops, and special performances throughout the year.

Visit: 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631-537-8250, www.cmee.org

Amber Waves Farm

Amber Waves was founded in 2009 to produce healthy, organic food for the local community such as wheat, popcorn, and over 300 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and cutting flowers. You’ll also see dozens of chickens running about. Guided tours, pizza-making workshops, story hours, toddler play groups, and a hands-on Farm Club program are all part of the family-oriented experience.

Visit: 367 Main Street, Amagansett, 631-267-5664, www.amberwavefarms.org

Madoo Conservancy

Madoo is an enchanting oasis – from the pruned boxwood and grove of ginkgos of the central walkway and the Chinese bridge overlooking a pond, to the blue wrought-iron gated gardens and the fairytale cottages with yellow doors. With free admission, there’s really no excuse to miss out on this local landmark and tribute to artist/gardener Robert Dash. Children’s programming includes storytelling in the gardens from 10-11 am on Monday mornings through October 7^th. During the summer months, they offer an art program based on East End painters for kids ages 5-8.

Visit: 618 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack, 631-537-8200, www.madoo.org

Nova’s Ark

Artist Nova Mihai Popa hoped the enormous sculptures set on the 95 acres of Nova’s Ark would “reflect the spirit and knowledge all around us.” One can’t help but be impressed by the bronze-colored structures reaching over five stories high. While you’re there, stop by to see the resident grazing sheep and the majestic horses boarded at Big Sky Ranch. The Ark serves as a great introduction to unique architectural styles, with the Elliptical House (designed to have a small ecological footprint), the Castle Barn celebration center (renovated from an old dairy barn), and the Cities of the Future (cosmic brick homes that can be easily replicated in factories).

Visit: 60 Millstone Road, Water Mill, 631-537-0061, www.thearkproject.com

Wölffer Estate Winery

This vineyard is assuredly kid-friendly. Co-owner Joey Wölffer explains, “There is nothing better than having my daughters at the Wine Stand with me on Friday and Saturday nights. Kids love to run around and play together, and it’s a great place to bring the family.” Across the road from the main vineyard, music starts at 5:00 pm and runs through the end of September. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a sunset picnics with wines by the bottle and glass, cheese and charcuterie platters, as well as beverages and snack boxes with raisins, string cheese, and Goldfish crackers available for the kids. During the summer months, Wölffer runs a pony camp for kids. (Nearby Channing Daughters winery is another one of our kid-friendly favorites.)

Visit: 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106, www.wolffer.com

Best Places To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

March 13, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn, Party/by Shine

Every March 17^th, various locations around the world commemorate the life and death of St. Patrick (385-461 AD) with feasts, parades, parties, and festivities. The Irish have observed this date for more than 1,000 years, but the holiday is also revered in America, Japan, Singapore, Russia, and other countries where Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans are found.

For New York City’s Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than celebrating the man who once explained the Holy Trinity using a shamrock or “expelled the snakes” from Ireland. It’s about recognizing the struggle of Potato Famine immigrants in America and how they overcame stereotypes and racial prejudice to gain acceptance in the New World.

But, as the saying goes, “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” The food, music, dancing, and culture have much to offer revelers. Here are some of the more family-friendly events taking place around New York City this weekend.

NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Midtown, Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Fifth Avenue, from 44^th Street to 79^th Street (ideally the calmer North End, with kids)

Cost: Free

While it’s not technically on St. Patrick’s Day itself, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the “10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Events in the Country,” as Country Living calls it. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan is not just the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States (dating back to 1762); it’s also the first St. Patrick’s Day parade anywhere in the world. Today the NYC procession is still the biggest, with roughly 150,000 marchers and 2 million spectators. If you can’t make it, you can also stream the parade live on nbcnewyork.com.

Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Park Slope, Brooklyn

When: Sunday, March 17^th at 1:00 pm

Where: Prospect Park West and 15^th Street to Seventh Avenue and Garfield Place

Cost: Free

The first Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade was founded by Irish American Parade Committee members whose forefathers fought in the Battle of Brooklyn. Following a Re-dedication Ceremony for the victims of 9/11, the beloved local parade has enough bag-piping, step-dancing, decked-out dogs, and leprechauns for the whole family. Also of note: for the first time in the parade’s 44-year history, LGBTQ marchers will be included in the procession. If you can’t make it to this parade, you can also try Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 24^th.

Family Workshop at the Queens Museum

Flushing, Queens

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Where: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11368

Cost: Free activity with admission ($8 adults, kids under 18 free)

Chase the rainbow and welcome spring with a gentle, holiday-appropriate activity. Families are invited to create rainbow suncatcher crafts together, while listening to fun stories about the natural spectrum of colors every hour starting at 1:30. All drop-in workshops are free and open to the public, with no need to register in advance.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Upper West Side, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 10:00 am – 4:45 pm

Where: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

Cost: Included with admission ($14 for adults and children over 1 year of age)

CMOM is hosting a variety of fun events for St. Patrick’s Day, including:

“Green Takeover” (All day) – Kids ages 6+ make art using the color green.
“Clover Green Mural Wall” (12:00 – 12:45 pm) – Kids under 6 finger-paint a clover green mural.
“Lucky Leprechaun Hats” (1:00 – 1:45 pm) – Kids under 6 make hats and learn about traditions.
“Jewelry Design Workshop” (2:00 – 2:45 pm & 3:00 – 3:45 pm) – Kids 6+ make felt and bead jewelry.

Due to limited space, sign-up is required for the jewelry-making class hosted by guest artist Kendra Pariseault. As always, CMOM provides five floors of fun and discovery for kids of all ages.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day

Lower Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16^th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: St. Patrick’s Youth Center, 268 Mulberry Street

Cost: $10-$25

It’s no secret rowdy drinkers love St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to be sure your children aren’t exposed to bad behavior, you can head down to this family-friendly “sober” celebration. Here you’ll enjoy all the same classic Irish entertainment. This year’s attendance includes seven-time All-Ireland champion button accordion player John Whelan, five-time All-Ireland champion fiddler Brian Conway, the Donny Golden School of Irish Dancers, and a number of accomplished singers. Tickets to this popular event always sell-out in advance, so get yours today!

Taste Buds Kitchen

Chelsea, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 9:00 – 10:00 am

Where: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27^th Street

Cost: $45 per parent/child pair

Want to bake with your child, but hate the mess in your kitchen? Taste Buds Kitchen is whipping up St. Patty’s Day Rainbow Cupcakes, with a tutorial geared toward little bakers ages five to eight and their parents. Learn the secret of perfect cupcake batter, practice your frosting skills, and enjoy an outing that is as delicious as it is colorful.

Merchant’s House Museum

NoHo, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm

Where: Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Cost: Included with admission ($15 adults, $10 for students, free for children under 12)

Older kids may appreciate a back-stairs tour of the only fully-preserved 19^th Century family home. Experience the Merchant’s House through the eyes of Irish immigrants who worked as domestic servants for the Tredwell family. The servant’s quarters on the fourth floor are the oldest intact site of Irish habituation in New York City. Tredwell servant Bridget Murphy leads you back through time, treating your family to beautiful singing and celtic harp.

While you’re here, check out our 5 Favorite Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day. You may also contact Shine for more information on events, parties, and festivities; sign up for one of our popular classes or workshops; take a guided field trip with us; or hire us to entertain at your next party.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: 5 Cajun/Creole Recipes For Mardi Gras

March 1, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Party, Taste/by Shine

For foodies, Mardi Gras (which translates to “Fat Tuesday”) is an opportunity to indulge in fatty foods like meat, cheese, milk, and lard. Festivals this time of year are nothing new, dating back to springtime Saturnalia and Lupercalia celebrations of the ancient Romans. The Mardi Gras we know today is largely based on the Christian holiday calendar, falling the Tuesday before Lenten fasting begins. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 5^th. While other parts of the world like Brazil and Venice celebrate with Carnival, the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699 when French explorers first landed in New Orleans, Louisiana. There is no bigger modern-day celebration than the masquerades, street parties, and parades of NOLA.

Even if your roots do not stretch back to Acadia or the Mississippi Delta, Mardi Gras represents an excellent opportunity to introduce your kids to a new culture and culinary palette. If you don’t want to battle the crowds at Great Jones Café in The East Village, The Boil in the Lower East Side, or Bourbon Street in Hell’s Kitchen, you can whip up homemade Cajun/Creole cuisine with your aspiring chefs. While it’s true many dishes happen to be spicy, there are plenty of kid-friendly Cajun and Creole recipes for the whole family to love.

Beef Po Boys

Adapted by the NY Times from Benjamin Wicks, proprietor of Mahony’s Po-Boy Shop in New Orleans

Po Boys are scrappy sandwiches made of “leftover” meat – often seafood like crawfish, shrimp, oysters, crab, or fish – but they can also be made of hearty roast beef (which is preferable for many small palettes). A crusty French baguette is also a must for this recipe. Dressings may vary widely based on availability, but this particular version marries celery, onion, peppers, carrots, and garlic roasted in a Dutch oven and smothered in gravy with traditional toppings – mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The NY Times recommends adding fries and cheese “for added pow.”

Get the recipe here.

Red Beans and Rice

From Saveur Magazine

Beans and rice are eaten in various cultures around the world, but what makes this recipe distinctly “Big Easy” are the savory smells of garlic, oregano, and thyme that are bound to get little tummies rumbling, in addition to the depth of smoky ham hocks that are intriguing enough for adult taste buds. Red beans and rice were traditionally served on Monday, “Laundry Day,” because they could be left to simmer on the stove while attending to other work. This is a simple recipe you can set and forget for two hours, but don’t forget to soak your dried beans overnight.

Get the recipe here.

Nanny’s Seafood Gumbo

By Adam Lathan, Executive Chef of The Gumbo Bros. in Brooklyn

Gumbo is the perfect example of the melting pot that is Louisiana cuisine. The French and West Africans both place claim on its origins, but either way, gumbo is a thick stew. You can make it Creole style made with a roux (flour and butter) base or Cajun-style with a tomato base. Everyone’s grandmother has their own variation, but each pot has something for everyone. There’s no wrong answer in the world of gumbo. Brooklyn Chef Adam Lathan’s nanny uses crab and shrimp with a roux base and backed by celery, bell pepper, and okra. You can use the Cajun seasoning if your kids are old enough to tolerate a pinch of cayenne and red pepper flakes. Otherwise, you may substitute your own seasoning blend of salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Or you might opt for a smaller “kid’s pot” that simply omits the Cajun seasoning. There’s also a version with chicken and andouille sausage if you prefer.

Get the recipe here.

Blackened Redfish

By the late “Superstar” Chef Paul Prudhomme, owner of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Broadway

New Yorkers who lived here in the 80s are old enough to remember when his K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen outpost inspired lines around the block. Blackened Redfish was Chef Paul Prudhomme’s signature dish. “Redfish” includes four different species – the Red Snapper, Red Drum, Rose Fish, and Acadian Redfish. Some of these species can be difficult to come by, but Dorian’s Fish Market carries the Red Snapper, as well as two acceptable substitutes: Pompano and Tilefish. This recipe is best cooked in cast iron if you can. Serve with Chef Prudhomme’s Shrimp and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms to enjoy a feast fit for a king!

Get the recipe here.

Beignets

By Jean-Paul Bourgeois, Native Louisianan and Executive Chef of Blue Smoke Restaurant in NYC

Last, but not least, we’ve got the ultimate, mouth-watering Mardi Gras dessert. French-inspired Beignets are every bit as “New Orleans” as po’ boys and gumbo. These square dough fritters are comprised of yeast, bread flour, water, milk, eggs, butter, and salt – then deep-fried in clean vegetable oil, and topped with a mountain of powdered sugar. Chef Bourgeois describes NOLA’s favorite sweet as “deep-fried, sugary goodness,” and “the perfect vehicle for chicory coffee and breakfast in the morning.”

Get the recipe here.

After your kids sample the new dish, teach them to say “Ca c’est bon” (SAH-say-bohn), which is the Cajun way of saying “That’s good!”

If you’re looking for more novel ways to spice up your kids’ lives with cultural enrichment, contact us to learn about our workshops, parties, and classes. If your child loves to cook, be sure to inquire about our “Kitchen Stars” cooking classes geared toward ages 3-5 or 6-8.

Additional Reading:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

https://www.americanheritage.com/true-and-delectable-history-creole-cooking

The Difference Between Cajun And Creole Food

New York City’s Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

October 18, 2018/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Party/by Shine

Wondering where to trick-or-treat in NYC? On October 31^st, it’s a vast wonderland of spooky displays, generous treats, and good old-fashioned gangs of costumed kids. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in a particular neighborhood to take advantage of its Halloween bounty. Neighborhood-hopping is commonplace and, in some jurisdictions, encouraged. So here is your guide to our favorite places to celebrate.

Halloween fun is subject to change, of course, but historically, these have been some of the best places for trick-or-treating and festivities in the East End, Brooklyn, and Manhattan:

Elm Street from Hampton to Pelletreau Street (Southampton Village)

Since 2009, the mayor has ordered the closing of high-traffic Elm Street to traffic from 3 to 6 pm. Last year, Edible Long Island called Elm Street “the best Halloween block party out East.” The pet parade and shop trick-or-treating down on Main Street in Southampton is another big draw.

Huntington (Suffolk)

Newsday called Huntington one of the most “stroller-friendly towns” on the Island, so it’s a great spot for taking little ones out. Family-friendly festivities kick-off with the 4 p.m. costume parade at the Huntington Post Office on Gerard Street, followed by trick-or-treating at participating shops and beautifully decorated homes.

Older kids (recommended for 13+) won’t want to miss Huntington’s Restless Souls Haunted House Complex at Huntington Station, which features “Phantom Plaza” Midway games, an outdoor attraction, “Klownkatraz,” and an “Alien Autopsy” escape room. (The proceeds from this Haunted House go to the LGBT-friendly West Hills United Methodist Church.)

Floral Park and Garden City (Nassau)

With over a third of the residents under 18, you can be rest assured there will be loads of little ones filling their sacks with candy in Floral Park, so if you like people-watching, this small village bordering Queens is a must. Homeowners deck out their lawns with spooky displays and put orange lights in the windows of their historic gems.

Garden City is another ideal Nassau neighborhood for trick-or-treating, with majestic homes, towering trees, and wide streets with low car traffic volume. Residents are generous with their candy-giving, and you can hit up the merchants along Seventh Street, too.

Upper West Side (Manhattan)

The huge party takes place on West 69^th Street between Broadway and Central Park West, with candy, inflatables, entertainment, closed-off streets, and police patrols for safety. Locals love the traditional door-to-door candy collecting from the historic Brownstones down leaf-covered streets the best. Decked-out prewar buildings on 78^th and 79^th streets between Columbus and Amsterdam attract crowds. For equally good décor and fewer crowds, you can try 87^th or 90^th between Columbus and Amsterdam.

Upper East Side (Manhattan)

Historically, the go-to block has been 78^th Street between Park and Lexington avenues. Other popular spots include Carnegie Hill’s 92^nd Street between Park and Madison avenues, which is closed for live music, art projects, candy, and costume / decorating contests from 5 to 6:30. Up North, there are ample goodies in the Brownstone mansions along 94^th and 95^th streets, between Park and Lexington.

Garden Place (Brooklyn Heights)

Residents are serious about their Halloween displays in Garden Place and Grace Court Alley, with fog machines, life-sized mummies, coffins, and jack o’lanterns aplenty. For a quieter residential experience, head to nearby Remsen and Joralemon streets. Parades and parties take place at Pierrepont Playground at 10 am the Saturday before Halloween.

What Time Is Trick-or-Treating In NYC?

For most residential neighborhoods, trick-or-treating can begin as early as 5:30 and generally wraps up around 8:30. The commercial stretches are different. Little ghosts and goblins arrive as early as 9:30 am to trick-or-treat on Lexington, Third, and Madison. One candy store shopkeeper had refilled her candy bucket four times by 2:30 in the afternoon! Elm Street trick-or-treating goes from 3-6 pm. Upper West Side businesses stop handing out treats at 7 pm due to the rising popularity in recent years.

Looking for More Halloween Fun?

Shine brings structured activities to your Halloween party fun. Whether your kids are six months or 12 years, we’ve got games, ghost stories, crafts, songs, and cooking that will entertain, instruct, and inspire. Contact us for details on how we can help you plan the ultimate holiday party. For ideas you can do yourself at home, be sure to check out our Celebrate Halloween Pinterest board.

Top 5 Recipes For Cinco de Mayo

April 30, 2018/in Celebrate, Make, Party, Taste/by Shine

International Kid-Friendly Food

Contrary to popular belief, May 5^th is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s underhanded victory over the occupying French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 – 41 years after Mexico became a sovereign nation. During the Battle of Puebla, 4,000 Mexican troops defeated twice as many heavily-armed French soldiers, revealing the strength of the Mexican people to the rest of the world. In Mexico, the holiday is lauded as an important symbol of patriotism, commemorated with military reenactments and parades. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a widespread celebration of Mexican-American culture – and a great excuse to explore the joys of muy delicioso Mexican cuisine with your children!

Huevos Rancheros

Here is a popular dish celebrated on “Day of the Child” that would double as a great Cinco de Mayo brunch for the whole family. Charbel Barker cooks this family-passed recipe with her two little boys. “This is a great recipe to teach your kids because there are very few steps,” Barker explains. Made with thick-cut ham, eggs, potatoes, tortillas, cheese, and refried beans – you’ll want for nothing! You can top with store-bought salsa or make your own from this fun four-step NY Post recipe.

Get the recipe.

Guacamole

From Josefina Howard, chef at Rosa Mexicana in Manhattan, courtesy of NY Times Cooking

Avocados are a great plant-based source of protein for kids. The creamy texture is an easy sell to the youngest solid-food-eaters. This recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of Serrano chili, which you’ll want to omit when mixing it up for the kids. If you have a lava stone mortar, all the better! Kids really enjoy the mashing aspect of guacamole making. Some recipes call for garlic, citrus fruit, cheese, cumin, or jalapeño. By comparison, this recipe uses just six simple ingredients and is best served with crunchy tortilla chips.

Get the recipe.

Pasilla-Tamarind Paste

From Aarón Sánchez, Award-Winning Food Network Chef & Former Co-Owner of NYC’s Centrico, courtesy of NBC

“I want my kids to know their culture as they grow up seeing dad cook and speak Spanish at home,” explains Chef Sanchez. He makes simple dishes at home – with a new ingredient thrown in as a twist. “Introducing new and different flavors to them is important,” he adds. “They don’t have to love it, but I want to expose them to it.” In his more recent cookbooks, he strays from the typical format of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Instead, he offers sauces with versatile flavors that can give a Mexican twist to any menu. This paste delights kids with its tart and sweet dichotomy. The pasilla chili is mild and rich, balanced by the flavors of the wonderfully tangy tamarind fruit. Use as a marinade or rub with your red meat of choice. The sauce will stay fresh in a tight-sealed container for up to a week or can be easily frozen for later.

Get the recipe.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

From NY Times Food Writer Amanda Hesser

Made from 10 ingredients, this saucy, kid-friendly casserole combines shredded chicken, corn tortillas, cilantro, and queso añejo, a crumbled sharp white cheese. The tomatillo sauce is mild enough for your little ones, and you can choose to omit the jalapeños if necessary. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute quinoa and red beans for the chicken. Serve it with a traditional medley of steamed beets, cauliflowers, and carrots or a simple green salad would do just fine. Some people save this recipe’s enchilada sauce for eggs, tortilla chips, rice topping, or sprucing up meats.

Get the recipe.

Creamy Lime Pie

From Chef Enrique Olvera at Cosme in the Flat Iron District, Courtesy of The Latin Kitchen

Chef Enrique Olvera is not only a world-renowned chef. The NY Times has suggested he could be “the king of NY” with authentic Mexican cuisine that extends beyond the stereotypes. Pujol, his Mexico City based restaurant, uses native ingredients like heirloom varieties of corn, wild greens, obscure chilies, even insects. Most of his recipes are highly complex with tricky-to-track-down ingredients, but this dessert is sinfully simple. All you need is condensed milk, fresh lime, cream cheese, frozen yogurt, and a pack of vanilla wafers.

Get the recipe.

Cooking is one of the many ways you can celebrate Mexican-American culture with your children. New York City residents can also visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for Spanish lessons, Talavera tile making, and Papel Picado crafting. The fifth of May is also opening day for the new hand-carved, disability-accessible carousel in the Greenbelt’s Willowbrook Park. Contact Shine to learn about the cooking classes and unique cultural experiences we offer area children.

Passover Activities For Kids

March 25, 2018/in Celebrate, Learn, Make, Party, Read, Taste/by Shine

Passover Activities For Kids

Passover is one of the most beloved religious holidays, celebrated by more than 70% of Jewish Americans. The story of Moses provides rich lessons about “standing up for equality, pursuing justice, and standing up for the rights of the marginalized… core Jewish commitments,” as Rabbi Rick Jacobs put it. Children are central to the Passover proceedings as a symbol of the continuity of the Jewish people, but the significance is likely to pass them by if we don’t go out of our way to include them in the family rituals. Incorporate some of these Passover activities to engage the youngest members of the faith.

Passover Pretend Play

The Big Clean – In preparation for Passover, families keeping Kosher kitchens remove all Chametz. Involve kids in the search party with a scavenger hunt to find hidden cookies under the bed, in pockets, closets, drawers, school bags, and toy chests.

Plagues – Scatter squishy green frogs or plastic locusts across the table to represent the plagues. Rite Lite Judaica sells Plague Masks that represent terrors like darkness, boils, wild animals, frogs, and cattle plague – or you could just as easily make your own out of construction paper.

Seder Set – Particularly from ages 3-5, children become fascinated with “playing adult.” KidKraft sells toy versions of the Seder plate, wine goblet, bottle of wine, matzo, afikomen and matzo covers, and a prayer book.

Passover Crafts

A Cup For Elijah – Families put out a cup of wine for the prophet Elijah at the Passover Seder. Toward the end of the dinner, they open the door to symbolically “let Elijah in.” For this craft, take a plastic Dollar Store wine goblet, paint a liberal strip of white craft glue around the top, and wrap a colorful piece of wool or jute string around the cup. Alternate with more glue and different colored strings for a rainbow look. Add sequins or gems.

Red Sea Diorama – The parting of the Red Sea makes for a great mini scene. Upcycle cardboard by cutting it into at least six curvy wave shapes in a variety of sizes, covering them in blue tissue paper. Affix the waves into slits cut into a cardboard base, using glue to secure them. Don’t forget to leave a path down the middle. You can make little people out of corks, dressing them in felt clothes, bottle cap hats, and yarn hair, and drawing faces with black marker.

Matzo Cover – Use a plain white handkerchief or cut a square out of a choice piece of fancy fabric. Just be sure it’s bigger than a piece of matzo. Decorate the cloth with oversized gems, embroidered grapes or spring flowers, and puffy paint border embellishments. Paint the Hebrew word for Passover to make it extra relevant.

Passover Cooking

Shine’s Favorite Jewish Recipes – We’ve rounded up five delicious, easy Jewish recipes to make with kids, including Potato kugel, Soup Dumplings with Minced Brisket, Kookoo-e Sabzi, Braised Short Ribs with Squash Puree and Roasted Corn Salad, Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Pistachio.

Passover Pizzas – What kid doesn’t love pizza? Pre-heat a baking stone at 500 degrees for a half hour. Mix 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose white wheat flour, ½ tsp. sea salt, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor. Add ½ cup of water. Form into 12 dough balls and roll on a floured surface until cracker-thin. Prick holes with a fork to prevent bubbling. Cook for one minute per side. Reduce heat to 250 degrees. Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings or seasonings, cooking for 15 minutes more.

Macaroons – Widely considered thee flourless dessert of Passover, macaroons come in many designs from almond to raspberry, but we like this basic chocolate-dipped coconut recipe. Whisk together 1 large egg white, 2 TBSP honey, ¼ tsp pure vanilla, the grated zest of one lemon, and 1/8 tsp of coarse salt. Stir in 1.5 cups of fine-shredded unsweetened coconut. Make 15 balls with a 1.5” ice cream scoop and bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12 minutes at 375 degrees, rotating halfway through. Before serving, drizzle with 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate and refrigerate 15 minutes to set.

If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate Jewish culture into the lives of your children, ask us about our Vitamin J Jewish art and cultural class for kids of all ages. We explore basic Judaica in a variety of fun, creative ways.

Additional Children’s Passover Resources:

USA Today – Passover Holiday Explained, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/04/22/passover-jewish-holiday-explained/83387514/

Amazon – KidKraft Passover Set, http://amzn.to/2HBNsce

Tori Avey – Elijah’s Cup Craft, https://toriavey.com/home-garden/family-fun-elijahs-cup-passover-craft

Creative Jewish Mom – Splitting of the Red Sea Diorama, http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/03/kids-crafts-for-pesach-krias-yam-suf-the-splitting-of-the-red-sea-diorama.html

Cooking with my Kid – Mighty No-Sew Matzah Cover, http://cookingwithmykid.com/2011/04/12/mighty-matzah-cover

Martha Stewart – Coconut Chocolate Macaroons, https://www.marthastewart.com/1098219/coconut-chocolate-macaroons

Disgustingly Good – Matzo Pizza, http://disgustinglygood.com/2012/03/31/matzo-pizza/

10 Festive Ways To Keep The Kids Entertained At Your Adult Christmas Party

December 22, 2017/in Celebrate, Guide, Party, Play/by Shine

You’ve decked the halls and planned your dinner menu. Now all you have to do is figure out how to keep all the children attendees satisfied so the adults can mingle and have a good time. Nothing puts the lid on holiday cheer more than a screaming babe, after all! Here are a few creative and practical suggestions for a truly enjoyable winter get-together with family and friends.

1. Give them space.

When combining kids and adults, the first step to sanity is to give the youngsters their own defined space – either a floor of the house, a room, or even simply a craft table. Have this area safety-proofed and stocked with fun.

2. Hire help.

A babysitter can come in handy when you’re hosting an event or hoping to have time for adult conversation. Having a full-time person assigned to “damage-control” is a wise decision to keep juice cups filled, diapers dry, and minor disagreements settled before they escalate. If you’ve never hired a babysitter before, College Nannies and Tutors and UrbanSitter are good places to start.

3. Set up a food decorating station.

If you don’t mind a little bit of mess, tape your table with brown craft paper or white butcher paper and set up a cupcake or cookie-decorating station. Toppings may include different color frosting, sparkle decorating gel, edible googly eyes, sprinkles, M&Ms, candy canes, and other miniature candies. Another neat idea is to have each child bring a dozen or two of their favorite Christmas cookies. Blindfold each child and feed them a cookie, asking them to guess what type it is.

4. Stock a craft table.

Arts & Crafts can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. For younger kids, you can put out a few Christmas-themed coloring books and crayons. Play-Doh can be jazzed up for the holidays with glitter, holiday cookie cutters, rolling pins, and accessories like felt or buttons to “build snowmen.” For older kids, you can find inexpensive all-in-one craft kits. For instance, Michaels has foam Christmas houses, ornaments, snow globes, letters to Santa, pop-up cards, banners, wood scene painting, cross-stitch, painting, and beading activities that only cost a few dollars each. We also love these Milk Carton Gingerbread Villages recommended by Happy Hooligans.

5. Make it musical.

Kids of all ages love music. Setting up an MP3 player with Christmas music can make the difference between child anarchy and a group of happily-singing, merry little elves. Even better, you may consider setting up a few microphones for karaoke. Toddlers will get a hoot out of a Christmas caroling themed party that supplies matching hats and scarves, along with hand-held instruments like jingle bells, tambourines, triangles, and drums. In this scenario, it’s best if you have an adult to guide them through a few of their favorite songs. A Christmas songs board book can provide the playlist if you don’t have a karaoke CD or YouTube playlist ready.

6. Plan for fun.

A few pre-planned activities are exciting for kids earlier in the evening when energy levels are high. Guests as little as two can appreciate a Candy Cane Hunt, which is a wintry version of an Easter Egg Hunt. Simply hide wrapped candy canes around the house before your little guests arrive and see how many they can uncover. Finders keepers! The activities you choose don’t have to cost a lot. For example, this Jingle Bell Toss game from Playground Parkbench is kid-friendly and costs you less than $5 to set up. Whether you have a photo booth or not, a few dress-up props go over well with budding imaginations. Older kids might enjoy this Christmas Saran Wrap game, where they compete to unravel a ball of plastic wrap to get to goodies stored inside until the person next to them rolls doubles with a pair of dice. You can also print these Christmas words, cut them into small slips, and place them in a stocking for a few rounds of Christmas Pictionary, a fantastic game for artists young and old.

7. Stock up on board games.

Games can be fun if there is an older child, babysitter, or adult willing to preside over the festivities. There are tons of holiday-themed board games for older kids. Some of our favorites include:

The Santa Claus Game (ages 3+)
Pass The Ugly Sweater (ages 4+)
Christmas Tree Floor Puzzle (ages 4+)
Memory Challenge Holiday Edition (ages 6+)
Christmas Scavenger Hunt (ages 6+)
Christmas Mad Libs (ages 8+)
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas Journey (ages 8+)

8. Plan for a visit from Santa.

Surely you know someone who is willing to don a white beard and a suit to make the kids happy. You can ask each parent to bring a little something wrapped for Santa to give their child or buy a few inexpensive gifts yourself – like holiday books or stuffed animals. If you can’t hire or enlist a Santa, consider magicians, balloon artists, face painters, musicians, or puppeteers who can make the night memorable.

9. Schedule down-time.

Parties can be overwhelming for kids. Sometimes all it takes is “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” or “Elf” — with a bowl of popcorn and a few mugs or sippy cups of hot cocoa — to settle everyone back down. You may also gather the kids around the fireplace with a basket of holiday books for story time. If you want to make it really special, plan for your visit from Old St. Nick to include a story reading with the children.

10. Call Shine!

Holiday parties are one of the things we do best at Shine. We’ll come to your event fully stocked with dedicated staff members, craft supplies, and custom-themed activities to delight and entertain your youngest guests. Leave set-up and clean-up to us as we transform your kids’ area into a space of seasonal cheer. If you decide to DIY your party this time around, we hope to speak with you in the New Year to discuss how Shine can add that “special something” to your next event.

RESOURCES:

http://www.toronto4kids.com/December-2012/Tis-the-Season-to-Party/

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/820822/How-to-throw-a-kid-friendly-holiday-party

http://momblogsociety.com/entertain-the-children-as-adult-parties/

https://mom.me/entertainment/5999-what-do-kids-while-you-throw-party/

https://www.modernmom.com/9b2cd05e-1ae3-11e1-9f7f-404062497d7e.html

https://www.thespruce.com/christmas-caroling-party-ideas-4117222

https://www.thespruce.com/christmas-song-party-games-4119766

http://www.parenting.com/food-recipes/holiday/holiday-parties-8-ways-to-keep-kids-entertained-while-adults-mingle

By Jenn Fusion for Shine

Jenn Fusion is a Buffalo, NY based wordsmith with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing informative and insightful articles for business clients. Her work has been featured online and in print editions of USA Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Houston Chronicle, as well as niche publications for vice presidents, celebrities, music, and beer. You may have seen on Huffington Post Live TV or heard her on Minnesota Public Radio. Best of all, she’s the mother of busybody toddlers Josephine and Henri.