As parents, we have all employed the power of music for the benefit of our kids. The exposure to varying types of music from lullabies to nursery rhymes, theme songs of their favorite shows, to even simple and unique melodies we make up for our children play an important role in our kids’ development. I tend to let my musical side come out by constantly making melodies for my three year old baby girl of the most mundane things. She is a lover of music and so I have found that is a great way to reach her even in her crankiest of moments. There is no better feeling for us than to find that magical way where we can entertain our children while teaching them.
Note: Opinions expressed are 100% my own, were were given media passes for a day at the park and a gift bag. No other compensation was received.
Growing up my parents didn't drive, so over the summer there were no joy rides to Long Island to hit up the beach or to Jersey for any carnival fun, nope there was no need for any of that when a day of care-free amusement was only a ride on the F train away. My mom would take us every Summer to Coney Island, it was a family tradition that we always looked forward to once school was over. I remember the anticipation building up as we'd feel the sun on our face when the train would reach the stops that passed by outdoor platforms and we'd get on our knees to catch a glimpse of the rides before reaching the last stop. We loved to stroll the boardwalk while we smiled at strangers dancing with each other to the latest beats, smelled the classic Nathans hot dogs that we just couldn't resist, listened to the rattling cyclone climb it's way to the top and watched other kids spin around on rides like the Himalayan until they were dizzy.
Seeing my two lil' monsters get just as excited as we pulled into the station really brought back memories for me. My 4 year old positioned himself on his knees only to shout "mommy look the ferris wheel" and both boys leaped out of their seats before the train even came to a halt and raced to the door. Can you blame them? Alongside other NYC family bloggers, we were invited out for a fun-filled Saturday to learn all about Luna Park's awesome offerings & to try out the exciting rides.
Just yesterday we celebrated my 4 year old's stepping up from Pre-K to Kindergarten, and with most Tri-state area students wrapping up school this week and next, it's pretty great that Luna Park is honoring students with good grades by having them earn free rides. On June 27th there will be a School's Out Celebration filled with cool activities for the entire family.
In the past when we've visited Luna Park we've purchased discounted deals on sites like Groupon and Living Social for credits to ride. But no worries if you haven't spotted any of those because I'd suggest the purchase of the $35 4- hour wristband which allows unlimited rides at Luna Park {Not including extreme rides or B&B carousel}. It's totally worth it because in the 4 hours you will definitely get to enjoy the rides a few times over, even on a busy day. And if you're looking to host a memorable birthday party they've got you covered with packages starting at $449.00 and Deluxe parties for $699.00 for up to 12 guests.
The Blogger kids could hardly contain their excitement as they patiently waited to jump-start the day on the B&B Carousel which features 50 beautifully hand carved wooden horses. My oldest CJ and I thought it was pretty cool that it's listed as one of 40 prehistoric properties in New York.
It was probably one of the best days ever, and such a care-free way to kick off summer. The kids raced from ride to ride laughing and smiling as us moms attempted to keep up. The photo a few pics above, of the kids on the boardwalk {taken by Denise of Boyzruleourworld} is my absolute favorite because it just showed how with maps in hand our kids were ready to explore the park and conquer the day.
With the countdown to summer vacation being just a week away for kids in the 5 boroughs and officially kicked off for everyone else, we wholeheartedly recommend you take a visit to Brooklyn for a day of family fun. Here's a few upcoming events you won't want to miss: Luna Park, Coney Island Events:
Friday Nights from June 18th - August 29th - Enjoy beautiful fireworks
Saturday June 20th - The Mermaid Parade is a day filled with sun, fun and sand with floats and mermaids.
Sunday June 21st - Celebrate Dad with thrill rides and racing & enter the sweepstakes in the park for a chance to win a new grill n tickets to see The Mets or Brooklyn Cyclones
Friday, June 26th - Coney Island Cyclone celebrates 88 years.
Saturday, June 27th - School's Out Celebration w/ Jake Miller FREE concert , face painting, Zumba, Super Soccer Stars and more. Remember to bring your report cards for up to 20 FREE credits!
Tuesday, June 30th - School's Out last day to redeem those report cards for FREE rides.
Keep up with all of Luna Park's thrilling fun by following on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. #LunaParkNYC
There's still time to get some holiday shopping done and if department stores aren't your thing then Bust Magazine's Craftacular may have just the gift you were looking for.Celebrate the holiday's and spend some quality time with your family by checking out revamped versions of the Nutcracker at FIAF and Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim, or by making dreidels at the Hanukkah festival at the 92 street Y. After a long work week or chasing the kids around the house I'm sure you could use some grown-up down time. I've listed a few date night events that include cooking a traditional Mexican holiday meal at a popular NYC restaurant, sampling a cocktail from Dylan's Candy Bar made with Pop-rocks while enjoying the Holiday Train Show and bar crawling while dressed up like Santa.
*Remember to "LIKE" the Dellah's Jubilations Facebook page (look to the right of this post) for updates on NYC events throughout the week and for other blog posts.
Key to Events: {E} for everyone {D} for a date {K} for the kiddies {C} for the Chicas {F} for the Fellas {P} for the pets
Friday Dec. 9th & Saturday Dec. 10th ~ Winterfest @ Central Park Zoo~
(10am-6:30pm) {E}Click herefor ticket prices
Our animal friends over at the Central Park Zoo want in on the festivities too. After school or work {take advantage of the extended hour}enjoy watching the animals open their holiday treats. Warm up with some hot chocolate or soup from the Dancing Crane Cafe while walking under twinkling lights. Everyone will enjoy the crafts, theater performances and 4D experiences.
Location: Central Park Zoo
For more event information: centralparkzoo.com
Friday Dec. 9th - Sunday Dec. 11th ~ The New York Theater Ballet's The Nutcracker ~
(Fri 9:30am, 11:30am/ Sat. 7 Sun. 11am, 1pm and 3:30pm) {K/3-10}$25-$35, Kids under 12 $20
Head over to see this holiday production of Tchaikovsky's classic, choreographed by Keith Michael. Aimed at the kiddies, this hour long show is perfect for keeping their attention while they are mesmerized by the set design and wonderful costumes. Location: FIAF, Florence Gould Hall at 55 East 59th street.
For more event information: nytb.org
Friday Dec. 9th ~ 3rd Annual Pajama Drop Off Party ~
(9am-5pm) {E}FREE/ donations accepted.
There's no better feeling then giving back, especially around the holidays. Bring your kids over to the Scholastic store in Soho to donate a pair of brand new pajamas to kids in need. With every donation 40% will be taken off of purchases made within the store and you will receive a free Clifford "Read Everyday Poster" on the 9th. The kids will enjoy story time and snacks as well as knowing they did something good for somebody else. Location: The Scholastic Store 557 Broadway between Prince and Spring st.
For more event information: Scholasticstore.com
Friday Dec. 9th ~ The XMAS Pop Sing-Along ~
(10:00pm) {C} {F} {D}$8
At this not to be missed event grab some spiked Eggnog and your friends and family to belt out your favorite Christmas tunes sung by some of your favorite Pop performers. Sing Along to David Bowie, Bing Crosby, NSYNC, Mariah Carey, Adam Sandler, and memorable songs from TV and films like The Charlie Brown Christmas Special and The Night Before Christmas and more. Afterwards follow Santa as he leads you merry carolers to neighboring restaurants and bars to spread some holiday cheer. Location: Union Hall in Park Slope Brooklyn on the corner of 5th avenue at 702 Union street.
For more event information: unionhallny.com
Saturday Dec. 10th & Sunday Dec. 11th ~America's Parade: 85 years of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ~
The floats, marching bands and gigantic balloons may have cleared the streets and Santa has made his way back to the North Pole but that doesn't mean we have to forget about the parade just yet. Enjoy your memories of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and connect your children to history as you march through photos, posters, snow globes and models of Parade balloons. This installation captures the fun and excitement of the world's most famous parade while providing a glimpse into its rich history. Watch a "newsreel" of Parade history and view original artwork from Melissa Sweet’s book Balloons Over Broadway, the story of Tony Sarg, “the puppeteer of Macy’s Parade. Location: The Tisch building 212 west 83rd street For more event information: cmom.org
Saturday Dec. 10th & Sunday Dec. 11th ~ BUST magazine Craftacular and Food Fair ~
(Sat. 11am - 8pm/ Sun. 11am - 7pm) {E}$3 admission/ merchandise for purchase
In it's 7th year, come out and celebrate at this craft fair this holiday season and shop for gifts with 2 weeks to spare before Christmas or for any other special occasion. The first 300 early shoppers on both days will receive goodie bags stuffed to the rim but even if you get there a bit later you are sure to find something while perusing through the booths of 200 vendors. There will also be DIY classes where you can make your loved ones friendship bracelets, terrariums, bath bombs and more. Classes either come with a small materials fee or are gratis. Location: 82 Mercer street between Broome and Spring St.
For more event information: bust.com
Peter and the Wolf @ The Guggenheim ~
(2:30pm and 4pm) {E}$30 members $35 non members. Buy tickets here
Narrated by Isaac Mizrahi, enjoy this visually entertaining performance of Sergei Prokofiev's classic tale. Music will be played by the Julliard Ensemble while balloon sculptures created by artist Jason Hackenwerth delight the audience. Take a peek at this video courtesy of Guggenheim's Works and Process's to see what to expect.
Location: The Guggenheim museum , 1071 5th Avenue (enter at 88th st. and 5th Avenue)
For more event information: guggenheim.org
Saturday Dec. 10th ~ NYC SANTACON ~
(10am) {C} {F} {D}FREE
Whether you've been naughty or nice this year be creative and get dressed up for SantaCon. During this festive bar crawl participants should bring at least two non-perishable items and patronize the bars that have chosen to donate a portion of their SantaCon proceeds to Toys for Tots. Location: TBA on the SantaCon site on Friday the 9th
For more event information: nycsantacon.com
Saturday Dec. 10th ~ Dos Caminos Cooking Class: Holiday Entertaining ~
(11:30am - 2:30pm) {C} {F} {D}$65 plus tax and gratuity The Mexican holiday celebration known as “Las Posadas” begins on the eve of December 16th and continues every night through Nochebuena on December 25th. The nine-day celebration concludes with a midnight feast, at which friends, families and neighbors gather until the wee hours of the morning. Learn how to recreate a traditional Nochebuena dinner (consisting of eggnog flan, Mexican hot chocolate,turkey in chilmole and more) with Corporate Executive Chef Ivy Stark. Chef Stark will demonstrate holiday recipes from her new cookbook, Dos Caminos’ Mexican Street Food: 120 Authentic Recipes to Make at Home and sign copies to take home! The three-hour class includes recipes, lunch, cocktails, and a copy of a Dos Caminos cookbook. Location: 373 Park Avenue South For more event information and reservation info: brguesthospitality.com
Saturday Dec. 10th ~ A Family Affair: Holiday Celebration ~
(1pm-4pm) {E}FREE
Bring in the holidays through arts and crafts activities, food and a tour of the current exhibits including Muntadas: Information >> Space >> Control, which looks at the relationship between public and private space, how information is conveyed, the media and how the public's opinion is shaped. Location: The Bronx Museum at 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th street
For more event information: bronxmuseum.org
Saturday Dec. 10th ~ Bar Car Nights at The New York Botanical Gardens ~
(7pm-9pm ) {C} {F} {D} Non members $30 members $20 must be 21+ The Holiday Train show isn't just for the kiddies, this evening event would make for the perfect date night.While exploring the wonderful exhibit sip on a complimentary cocktail. All three nights will feature the Dylan's Railway Explosion, a twist on their Pop Rocks Explosion cocktail.Other beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Location: 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY For more event information: nybg.org
Sunday Dec. 11th ~ Hanukkah Festival at 92 street Y~
(10:30am) {E}FREE for kids under 1, $10/adult and $15/child
Families will enjoy making their own dreidels, cookies, candles and their own Menorahs to celebrate Hanukkah. Listen to performances by Shababa Mamas, Miracle Makers and music in Hebrew and English. Location: Lexington Ave at 92nd st.
For more event information: 92y.org
Sunday Dec. 11th ~ The NYC Fire Museum's Annual Santa Rescue ~
(11:30am){E}ADULTS $8 Kids $1. buy tickets here
Watch the brave members of the FDNY rescue Santa from dangerous heights so that Jolly Saint Nick can spend time with his biggest fans. Once Santa is out of harms way and safe inside, enjoy taking photos with him until 2:30pm and bring your wish list to share with him. Continue with the festivities while listening to carols being performed and snack on hot dogs and hot chocolate available for purchase.. Location: The NYC Fire Museum at 279 Spring street between Varick St. and Hudson St.
for more event information: nycfiremuseum.org
If you are just visiting for the weekend or you are an everyday New Yorker, whatever you decide to do just enjoy the moment and Revel in all that is *NYC* XOXO, Dellah
Dellah's Jubilation always intends to give proper attribution; if a credit was foreseen it was purely accidental and credit will be given where it's due. Any image without attribution unless noted otherwise is the property of Dellah’s Jubilation. If you’d like to use this image please contact me for consent. Dellah's Jubilation is only suggesting events that are thought to be fun and interesting based on opinion. Dellah's Jubilation is not responsible for cancelled events or any other event changes (time, location etc.) due to mother nature or those running the event. Please double check all links to event for updates and changes. Dellahs Jubilation is not affiliated with any of the magazines mentioned within posts. I just like to share my love for zines! Most importantly hit the streets, live in the moment and have fun!
"It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets....."
This Thanksgiving not only am I looking forward to watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and stuffing my face, I'm hoping that after we eat (we usually start with a turkey day lunch and pick our favorites while watching the dog show) we can go out to catch the new Muppet movie. I grew up on the Muppets and love everyone from insightful and lovable Kermit, the diva-liscious Miss Piggy to the misunderstood Gonzo. We can't wait to see them in this years film where they join together to save their old studio. Who was your favorite Muppet?
You might remember Jason Segel from some of my fave movies to watch with my hubby for great laughs "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", "Knocked Up" and " I love you man". To his credit we can now add co-writer (partnering with Nick Stoller) of this latest Muppet movie. I can't imagine the pressure behind writing for such classic characters. In an interview with Timeout New York magazine he discusses how he felt writing for the film & what character he most relates to among other things.You should definitely get the family together to check out the new flick. It's been reported that there will be tons of star studded cameos by everyone from Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez (my 6 year old CJ's girlfriend), Wanda Sykes to Zach Galifianakis (my hubby's fave), Ben Stiller, Billy Crystal, George Clooney and many more.
Just recently I was sent an email from Disney.com to check out the previews and the music video for the remade Muppet Show theme song featured on the "Green Album". We absolutely love the new version done by the band OK GO. Do you remember they're the guys who did the video of them singing and performing "Here It Goes Again" while on treadmills? My boys and I instantly grew addicted to the remake and love the video. Look out for the best scene in the video of the Muppets pretending to be the puppet masters of the band mates. My 10 month old was bobbin his head and trying to clap to the beat, while his wanna be B-Boy older brother danced around the house. I just showed the video to the hubby and he's like "Isn't it phenomenal that the Muppets will never die, kinda like Mickey mouse. Why isn't there a Muppet Land yet?" The "Green Album" also features other revamped classics such as "It's not easy being green", "Moving right along" and "Rainbow connection" by other contemporary artists.
My sis Nicole and I loved watching Muppets Take Manhattan over and over again. Our favorite scenes were of the rats singing in the kitchen of the diner, while serving lunch. Piggy going off on the sexist construction workers and Gregory Hines helping Miss piggy in the park after having her purse stolen. No scene was quite as memorable as Kermie and Piggy FINALLY getting married and all of the Muppets including Big Bird were at the Chapel singing "Somebody getting married". During Nicole's maid of honor speech at my wedding she made reference to that song as she got all choked up and I got all teary, which was really special because we are rarely ever cheeseballs with each other.
I think the Muppets and Sesame Street Characters will be apart of our culture for years and years to come, outliving us all. Sesame street never gets old, I find myself watching it sometimes when the kids have already left the room and I don't even care that I'm watching alone.These characters bring back great memories of my childhood and for that i will always be grateful for the genius of Jim Henson. If you live in New York or are visiting between now and January 16, 2012 you should check out the Exhibit "Jim Hensons Fantastic World" at the Museum of Moving Image which displays some of the iconic puppets, storyboards, drawings and you can even view some of the movies while there.
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, Keep pretending"
