• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m. My kids’ favorite day of the year. We post up along Jobs Lane with beach chairs, sun protection, and snacks

• North Sea Fire Department Carnival: Tuesday, June 30 to Saturday, July 4 at 149 Noyac Road, Southampton, starting at 6 p.m. The volunteer department's annual carnival, with rides, games, and fair food, plus fireworks Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4. An old-fashioned way to kick off summer.

• 4th of July fireworks shows to note:

  • Westhampton Beach: The Westhampton Country Club’s show off Potunk Lane. The club is members-only, but the display carries across much of the village, with Main Street a dependable spot. Around 9 p.m., rain date July 5.

  • North Sea (Southampton): Fireworks at dark over the carnival grounds on Noyac Road, two nights, Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4 (see note above about carnival!).

  • Sag Harbor: The Sag Harbor Yacht Club’s show off Long Wharf, with Marine Park and Havens Beach the best free views. Around 9:30 p.m.

  • Amagansett: The Devon Yacht Club’s private display over Gardiner’s Bay, viewable from Fresh Pond Beach a couple of miles away. Around 9:15 p.m.

  • Montauk: Stars Over Montauk lights up Umbrella Beach, the biggest show on the East End, with Kirk Park Beach the place to set up. Arrive early. Around 9 p.m.

  • Greenport (North Fork): The Greenport Fire Department’s annual Fourth of July Carnival, launching from the Polo Grounds on Moores Lane near the harbor. Two nights, Thursday, July 2 and Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m.

• ….and for the weekend following:

  • East Hampton: Clamshell Foundation Fireworks over Three Mile Harbor, the George Plimpton tradition. Maidstone Park, Sammy's Beach, and Gann Road are the prime spots. Saturday, July 11 around 9 p.m., rain date July 12.

  • Shelter Island: Fireworks over the bay at Crescent Beach, with the lawn and shoreline the easy viewing spots. Saturday, July 11 around 9 p.m.

• If you’re the staying-in type, the Fourth is big in the city this year. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks turn 50 and, for the first time, will launch from three points across the waterfront, centered on the Brooklyn Bridge. Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock

• For the kids:

  • KidFEST at Guild Hall fills the Wednesday afternoons in East Hampton this July, each with a free workshop beforehand. Opening July 1 with Mario the Maker Magician at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., robots, magic, and slapstick from a maker magician. Tim Kubart & The Space Cadets brings a full-band concert of sing-alongs and tap dancing July 8 at 4:30 p.m. Human – Nehprii Amenii follows July 15 at 1 p.m., a puppetry tale told by an octopus at the bottom of the ocean. And Story Pirates Live on July 22 at 4:30 p.m. with songs and improv comedy.

  • St. Luke's Summer Fair takes over the lawn at 18 James Lane in East Hampton on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., now in its 140th year. Pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows, magic, a bouncy castle, and a silent auction that benefits the church's outreach work. It’s such a fun day!

  • CMEE Family Fair brings its Endless Summer theme to Bridgehampton Saturday, July 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with arts and crafts, water play, and food trucks. This is such a fantastic party my kids love.

• At the movies: A blockbuster month on the big screen. Minions & Monsters opens July 1, the third Minions outing, set in 1920s Hollywood. Moana follows July 10, Disney’s live-action remake. And Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings in July 31. All likely playing at the newly reopened Southampton Playhouse, my new favorite theater.

  • Hamptons Film Summer Outdoor Movies kick off Wednesday, July 8 with Mamma Mia! on Main Beach in East Hampton. Free, Wednesdays at sunset.

• For the art and design lover: there’s a full weekend of it. The Hamptons Fine Art Fair takes over the Southampton Fairgrounds, July 9 to 12. The East Hampton Antiques & Design Show marks its 20th year at Mulford Farm, July 10 to 12. And East Hampton Art & Design Days runs all weekend and closes out Sunday, July 12 with design panels at Guild Hall.

• Midsummer Night Drinks returns Saturday, July 11 for its 25th year, an afternoon of cocktails and poolside lounging hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris at their East Hampton home, to benefit God's Love We Deliver.

• For the sports lover: A stacked month. Wimbledon Finals for ladies’ on Saturday, July 11 and the gentlemen’s Sunday, July 12, both at 11 a.m. Polo Hamptons returns to Bridgehampton for two Saturdays, July 18 and July 25, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. And the World Cup Final is Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m., with the tournament ending at MetLife Stadium.

• For the arts lover:

  • Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala Saturday, July 18 in Water Mill. This year's "A Night in the Clouds" pairs a 5:30 p.m. dinner honoring Ellen Katz, Enoc Perez, Joan Semmel, and Hiroshi Sugimoto with a 9 p.m. to midnight Afterglow Party.

  • Watermill Center Summer Benefit returns to Water Mill with an Artist Dinner Friday, July 24 at 7 p.m. and the full Festival Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m., this year's "limitless time" celebrating founder Robert Wilson with performances and installations across the grounds.

• Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center: Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s home and studio in Springs is a Hamptons gem that flies under the radar — and was a hit with my kids. We did the guided tour and everyone was riveted in the studio, where you slip on booties and walk right across the actual paint-splattered floor where Pollack made his drip paintings. Tours are by reservation only, and the guided slots sell out quick. We did the paint workshop afterward, where my kids made splatter paintings like Pollock, and we absolutely loved it.

• I’ve slowly been trying to incorporate some independent work in the mornings (summer is long!). Here are some items my kids’ schools have recommended that may be helpful: math flash cards, sight word cards, and math review workbooks.

• And some great strategic-thinking and problem-solving games recommended by the math teachers: Rush Hour (we love this one and a great travel game), Square Up, Rack-O, SET, Qwirkle, Head Full of Numbers, and Blokus (a personal family favorite)

• This past weekend we grilled skirt steak and I paired it with this Vietnamese noodle salad (held off on the peanuts, loaded up the herbs, cucumber and lime) and it's already my top recipe of the summer. I can't wait to make it again.

• Waffle Saturdays are becoming a weekly morning tradition in our household and such a great way to kick off the weekend. I love this simple waffle recipe and use this waffle maker. The kids love it!

• For all those farm stand visits, get a great fruit and veggie wash, which I’ve heard great things about.

• And now, a few fun shopping links: the perfect summer dress, the one-piece bathing suit everyone is raving about, my favorite sweater of the summer, and most importantly: a great everyday sunscreen. We have the 18 oz one by our door, which always reminds me to apply a few pumps before leaving the house.

• My friends have raved about Explorer Camp for years, so I finally signed my kids up for a week in August and they couldn't be more excited. The camp is run by East End Explorer, a local company that also offers private paddle tours, SUP and kayak rentals, and boat charters. Camp weeks sell out through the summer, so book now.

• A friend recently launched CeCe Freade, a gentle French-Korean skincare line built around calming, soothing formulas, so it's especially good for sensitive skin. The Future Proof Face Cream has become my nightly ritual, and I think it’s outstanding.

• Here are some free World Cup print-outs your kids might enjoy (source: Lauren at Kickstart Reading).

• I absolutely love the new bag I purchased from Underwater Weaving. They have excellent colors (it was hard to choose just one). I don't think a more perfect summer bag could exist.

• I practically lived in these ivory crepe pants and the matching top through every cocktail party and dinner this May and June. It’s a great elevated summer outfit I’ll continue to have on repeat.

• This polo sweater is also on heavy rotation, I have it in pink and aqua and it’s the perfect pop of color and I love the weight of it.

• I love these exfoliating shower mitts. They leave my skin so soft, and there's something satisfying about buffing away all the sunscreen at the end of the day.

• Boden is having an excellent sale right now for kids. I just stocked up on colorful and fun summer camp clothes: so many great suits, a fabulous embroidered blouse, fun socks, sweet PJs, cute shorts, and some boys 4th of July shorts and so so much more that’s worth checking out for summer.

• North Sea Fire Department Carnival: Tuesday, June 30–Saturday, July 4. 149 Noyac Road, Southampton. The local volunteer department throws its annual carnival just in time for the holiday weekend — rides, games, and fair food for the whole family. Fireworks light up the sky on Thursday, July 2 and again on Saturday, July 4. A genuinely sweet, old-fashioned way to kick off summer.

• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Our favorite day of the year. Saturday, July 4 at 10 a.m., one of the oldest and largest on Long Island, now in its 105th year. Take the kids, ours absolutely love it. We like to post up along Jobs Lane, bring the beach chairs and sun protection.

• East Hampton Art & Design Days: Four days of private house and garden tours, artists' studios, design panels at Guild Hall, July 9–12, with names like Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer, and Amy Astley, benefiting the East Hampton Historical Society and Guild Hall. Access is intimate and pass-based, so plan ahead and book early.

• For all Hamptons openings and other events, check out this issue

• The Gazillion Bubble Show takes its final bow Off-Broadway on September 7 after nearly two decades. Yes, it's touristy, but my kids LOVED it, and this is the summer to catch it before it's gone for good.

• Guggenheim Pop: 1960 to Now: The Guggenheim's survey of Pop art just opened and runs through January 10. The showstopper is Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room, a mirrored chamber of suspended, glowing lights. Quietly breathtaking, and worth timing your visit around.

• What a championship. The moment New Yorkers have been waiting 53 years for is finally here. The Knicks Championship Parade takes over Lower Manhattan this Thursday, June 18, starting at 10 a.m. at Battery Park, heading north through the Canyon of Heroes, and ending with a Key to the City ceremony at City Hall Plaza. Take the subway, arrive early, and stake out a spot along Broadway. Wear your blue and orange, and whether you're going or not, it's time to get some Knicks gear. Here are some things I've been eyeing that aren't sold out yet: Cropped boxy top, great bomber jacket to pre-order, a gem sweater for girls, a really good t-shirt, white hat, crewneck sweater option one, and option two.

• U.S. Open Golf Championship: June 15–21 at Shinnecock Hills, Southampton. It’s going to be a big one. Practice rounds run through June 17 and are your best bet if you're going, it will be far less crowded, with a real chance to get close to the world's best players. Championship weekend draws 150,000+ attendees. Plan ahead for traffic.

• The World Cup is officially underway and this week's schedule delivers. Circle USA vs. Australia on Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m., watch party energy will be electric. Closer to home, France vs. Senegal kicks off Tuesday, June 16 at 3 p.m. at MetLife Stadium, one of the most anticipated group stage matchups of the tournament. It's also the perfect excuse to upgrade your USA gear (and double-dip for Fourth of July): the classic RL sweater that I still don’t think could ever be overdone, a knock-off for cheaper, or a pink LoveShackFancy one, a cute cap, and a retro red t-shirt. I love this dress, blouse, some excellent shorts, and paired with a navy stripped Saint James shirt. This woven tote is at the very top of my list and is color perfection.

• clinamen at Park Avenue Armory just opened and runs through August 2. French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot fills the space with floating ceramic bowls that drift and collide on water, producing an ever-changing melody of gentle chimes. Meditative, unexpected, and unlike anything else in the city right now.

• MYTHOS just opened at First Avenue and 68th Street, its first US location, and the timing couldn't be better as froyo makes a serious comeback. Greek-inspired toppings like baklava, honey, pomegranate, and fig. Early reviews are glowing.

• My favorite workout just got a permanent home. The Formula x Meredith has opened its own studio on the Upper East Side. The 60-minute, low-impact method blends Pilates, barre, and HIIT into one seriously effective class.

• For all summer 2026 openings in the Hamptons I’m excited about, check out last week’s newsletter here.

• This will be my go-to summer cake. Simple, delicious, and great to make with the kids. I made it for three dinner parties in a row and it was a success. Pair with fresh whipped cream and strawberries for dessert perfection.

• We were in the Midwest this past weekend visiting family, and my cousin had this inflatable water slide that was a huge hit, even for the bigger kids. I'm now convinced I need one. Paired with these squirt guns, it kept the kids captivated for hours.

• My tween niece had this beading set that every girl loved, and I immediately ordered one for my daughter. I got completely sucked in too. There’s something so gorgeous about hundreds of colorful beads. The 3mm is the perfect size.

• We hit an 8-hour travel delay on the way home. Not fun, but I had this book, and I've been gripped from page one. Add it to your summer reading list.

• My daughter is obsessed with The Princess in Black series — she tore through all 11 books in a week. She’s also in a big Amelia Bedelia phase, which I’m equally loving, and it got us through the whole travel ordeal.

• I’ve found a new favorite deodorant. The brand sent me a sampler pack and I’m completely sold — it works, smells great, and is clean. A worthy summer upgrade. (the sampler pack size is so perfect for travel or throwing in your bag)

• For the West Side folk, this is your go-to resource for everything happening along Riverside Park this summer. A lot going on.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert at the NY Philharmonic: December 17–20, David Geffen Hall. The holidays feel far away right now, but tickets were just released and this one always sells out. The New York Philharmonic performs John Williams’s iconic score live while the film plays on the big screen. If you have Harry Potter fans at home, don’t wait to purchase these tickets.

• Reminder: Father’s Day is coming up next weekend— here’s your planning guide

• All my favorite June happenings Out East in this newsletter

• Here are two other additional events in June I didn’t cover that are very much worth highlighting:

  • The LVIS Fair: June 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (this weekend!) A beloved East Hampton tradition since 1896. Pony rides, a carousel, vintage clothing, plants and flowers, food, live music, and a silent auction, all on the grounds of 95 Main Street in East Hampton. Free to attend

  • Feed Foundation x Amber Waves Fête: June 27. A beautiful way to kick off the summer — Amber Waves Farm is hosting a family fête benefiting the FEED Foundation, with wood-fired pizzas, local drinks, live music, and kid-friendly activities from 4:30–7:30 p.m.

• Southampton Village 4th of July Parade: Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. One of Long Island’s oldest and largest 4th of July parades. Route runs from Railroad Plaza down Main Street to Agawam Park. It’s hands-down our family’s favorite day of the summer. Fireworks at 7 p.m.

• Hamptons Fine Art Fair: Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 at the Southampton Fairgrounds. Now in its 19th year with 140 galleries — Forbes named it one of only three U.S. art fairs worth traveling for.

• Clamshell Foundation Fireworks over Three Mile Harbor: Saturday, July 11, around 9 p.m. (rain date July 12). A nearly five-decade East Hampton tradition — originally hosted by George Plimpton — always scheduled for the first Saturday after Bastille Day.

• CMEE’s 16th Annual Family Fair: Saturday, July 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CMEE’s marquee event and the Hamptons’ biggest family party. This year’s theme: Endless Summer. Tickets start at $125.

• Polo Hamptons 2026: Saturday, July 18 AND Saturday, July 25, 4–7 p.m. at 900 Lumber Lane. Tickets have sold out in the past, and not sold at the door.

• Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala — “A Night in the Clouds”: Saturday, July 18. Dinner 6–9 p.m.; Afterglow Party 9 p.m.–midnight. One of the most anticipated benefits of the season.

• The Watermill Center Annual Summer Benefit: Late July (2026 date TBC). Conceived by Robert Wilson as a theatrical production with site-specific installations and performances across the 8.5-acre grounds.

• East Hampton Art and Design Days: July 9–12. Four days of private house and garden tours, design panels, book signings, and pop-up shopping throughout East Hampton, with an all-star lineup that includes Charlotte Moss, Tom Scheerer, Amy Astley, and Aerin Lauder.

• Sag Harbor Fire Department Annual Carnival: Early August at Havens Beach (historically the first week, will update you once I have a date). Insider tip: arrive before 5 p.m. and bring cash. Don’t miss the fireworks.

• Guild Hall 2026 Summer Gala: Friday, August 7, 6–11 p.m. Guild Hall's biggest night of the summer — cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment in the museum and gardens.

• 22nd Annual Authors Night: Saturday, August 8, 5 p.m. at Herrick Park. 100 authors under the tent, followed by dinner parties at private homes at 8 p.m.

• East Hampton Fire Department Main Beach Fireworks: Mid-to-late August at Main Beach (2026 date TBC; traditionally the third Saturday). A 100+ year tradition. Arrive early with a blanket; parking is first-come, first-served.

• Hampton Classic Horse Show: Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, August 30. World-class show jumping, 80+ boutiques, gourmet food stands, and kids’ activities. Grand Prix Sunday closes out the summer.

Here are some summer purchases I’m eyeing this week for me and the kids:

• These sandals — the blue! And for the kids, does it get any cuter than these!?

• I love the idea of this camera to document fun summer memories

• My kids have big backyard movie night aspirations this summer so I’m thinking about screen with this projector

• I just ordered this hat and cannot wait for it to arrive, Janessa Leoné nailed the shape once again

• Here’s my idea of the perfect easy breezy dress I’ll be living in all summer

• ….paired with some fun colorful jewelry with gorgeous pieces from Lizzie Fortunato. I adore this necklace, this one, and these earrings

• And speaking of fun jewels, the Ossa phone cases and wristlets are excellent, how great is this one and this one?!

The new openings list this summer out east is impressive — restaurants, shops, hotels, markets, and more. Here’s what I’m excited to explore this summer that new, fresh and fun. I’ll keep adding as the season unfolds. Sun emojis mark my personal must-visits:

WESTHAMPTON:

• Pop Up Bagels (Restaurant) Legendary bagel spot that’s worth the hype

• Citarella (Market) The gourmet grocer’s 4th East End location, and further confirming Westhampton is growing!

SOUTHAMPTON:

• Maison Close (Restaurant) Parisian-inspired, seafood-forward French dining at The Capri Southampton

SAG HARBOR:

• ☀️☀️ Babe’s Diner (Restaurant) The buzziest opening of the summer. All-day diner from in the former Nikki’s Not Dogs space. Only 20 seats, no reservations

• Miracle (Restaurant) In the former Vin Sur Vingt space. Elevated American with English pub vibes

• Zagara at Faraway Sag Harbor (Restaurant) Amalfi Coast-inspired, harborside. The rebrand of Baron’s Cove (which I loved!)

• Hill House Home (Shop) The Nap Dress brand opens its first Hamptons store with Nell’s, an old-school coffee/soda bar and a candy wall

• Mass retailers like Madewell, Ralph Lauren, and Rag & Bone

• Sun Life Organics (Café) California-based organic juice, smoothie, and açaí bowl chain, in the former Estia’s Little Kitchen space

BRIDGEHAMPTON:

• Nourish by The Roundtree (Restaurant) Chef Dewa Wijaya weaving Hamptons seasonal bounty with his Balinese roots

• ☀️☀️ Hoare & Hoare Antiques (Shop) Designer Zoe Hoare’s first Hamptons storefront at 2487 Main Street, stocked with 18th and 19th-century European furniture, French enamel kitchenware, and hand-dyed linens

• ☀️☀️ Tutto Caffè (Café) I love the East Hampton location, and having one closer to me feels like a personal win, although not opening until August

• ☀️☀️ Loaves & Fishes Lifestyle (Shop) The beloved Bridgehampton institution's new home goods and lifestyle store, carrying natural, artisanal, and organic gifts alongside furniture, bed

EAST HAMPTON:

• ☀️☀️ AERIN (Shop) Aerin Lauder returns to her iconic 7 Newtown Lane boutique, redesigned with Tom Scheerer. I love her store in Southampton and am thrilled to shop here.

• Chanel (Shop) Back on Newtown Lane, new location across from its previous spot

• Violet Grey (Shop) The cult L.A. luxury beauty edit comes to Newtown Lane

• Lion’s Nook Bar & Grill (Restaurant) English pub-style spot from the Springs Tavern team in the former Rowdy Hall space at 10 Main Street

• Camp Rubirosa (Restaurant) Last summer’s pop-up, the SoHo Italian favorite, is now a permanent East Hampton fixture

• Ketchy Beach (Restaurant) Atmospheric coastal cuisine and nightlife spot from the Ketchy Shuby team, at a new East Hampton location

• The Hedges Inn (Hotel) Back for its second season with a full David Netto redesign (Swifty’s is also back)

• Grindstone Donuts (Market) Beloved local donut shop with a new Race Lane location (also a favorite in Sag Harbor)

AMAGANSETT:

• ☀️☀️ SETT Coffee (Café / Market) From the Clam Bar team. Specialty coffee, matcha, pastries, curated provisions

• ☀️☀️ Jamagansett (Market) Handmade preserves on Main Street, great packaging

MONTAUK:

• Barlume Beach (Restaurant / Hotel) LDV Hospitality’s Mediterranean waterfront restaurant and beach club. Might be the hardest reservation of the summer

• Alba Spiaggia at Montauk Yacht Club (Restaurant) Coastal Italian, Aperol Spritz energy

• Talya (Restaurant) Coastal Greek, opened Memorial Day Weekend

• Gosman’s Dock (Restaurant) New dockside seafood concept for the 2026 season, from the Gosman’s team

• Dolce & Gabbana Beach Club at Gurney’s (Shop / Experience) D&G takes over the beach club for Gurney’s 100th anniversary, with a pop-up boutique on-site

• Hotel Corduroy (Hotel) A 29-room high-design reimagining of Sunset Montauk with private beach access

OTHER

• Dante x The Pridwin (Experience) Shelter Island. NYC’s beloved Dante curates a summer-long cocktail menu at The Pridwin, with weekly Martini & Mahjong nights every Sunday

For the dad who lives for the live experience:

• For the golf dad, it doesn't get better. The US Open comes to Shinnecock Hills in Southampton June 18–21. Grab tickets for a practice round (June 15–17) if you want a more relaxed experience, or go all in on championship weekend. Either way, it's a bucket list Father's Day.

• Yankees or Mets premium seats (Legends Suite): The Yankees host the Reds all Father’s Day weekend (June 19–21) — Legends Suite seats right behind home plate are the move. If he’s a Mets fan, the weekend before works perfectly — June 12–14 vs. the Braves at Citi Field.

• Toy Story 5 opens Father's Day weekend and it's the perfect excuse to drag the whole family to the theater. Woody and Buzz are back, and this one was made for the dads who saw the original in 1995.

• The FIFA World Cup is literally in our backyard this summer — eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the World Cup Final on July 19. Can’t get final tickets? The group stage games are also excellent — Brazil vs. Morocco (June 13) and France vs. Senegal (June 16) are two of the best matchups of the tournament. The gift to end all gifts for the soccer dad.

• Another great live sporting event happening later in the summer is the annual US Open (tennis), runs August 30–September 13 — buy the tickets now and give him something to look forward to. A night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium is the most electric way to experience it, and honestly some of my favorite nights of the year.

• Polo Hamptons in Bridgehampton: July 18 and July 25. Open bar, only 500 tickets per match, sells out by early July. Equal parts sporting event and summer social scene.

• A North Fork winery day is hard to beat — just two hours from the city and none of the Hamptons traffic. Hit Kontokosta for waterfront views, Bedell Cellars for serious reds, and Croteaux if he's a rosé dad. Stop for lunch at North Fork Table in Southold — consistently one of the best meals on the East End. End the day in Greenport and call it perfect.

• For the foodie dad, book a seat at one of NYC's most coveted chef's tables. Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, Atomix, Masa, Le Bernardin, and Per Se are all offering the kind of experience that goes way beyond dinner.

• A boating experience:

  • Sunset sail around Manhattan: For the dad who'd rather be on the water. Several companies offer private charters for small groups: Narwhal Yacht Charters, Tribeca Sailing, Dream Boat NY, and Go Sailing NYC — most run 2–3 hours.

  • Fishing Charter out of Montauk: For the dad who wants to actually catch something. Montauk Fishing Charters, Susie E II, and Viking Fleet all offer private full and half-day trips targeting stripers, tuna, fluke, and shark.

  • Private Yacht Charter out of Sag Harbor: A more leisurely day on the water. Valkyrie Sailing offers a stunning 62-foot catamaran. Yacht Hampton is great for custom itineraries with stops at Shelter Island and Sunset Beach. Yacht Kelpie does private half-day, full-day, and sunset sails for up to 24 guests.

Books the kids can give dad:

There’s something about a good picture book read out loud that never gets old — for the kids or the dad. Here are a few worth wrapping up: My Dad Is Amazing (personal favorite we’ve been reading since 2018), Grumpy Monkey Father’s Day Fuss, Dada and/or Papa by Jimmy Fallon, Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss, Because of You, Dad, Daddy Pig’s Favorite Thing (can’t escape a Peppa moment), and for the grandfathers in your life: My Grandpa Is Grand and How to Babysit a Grandpa

For the dad who loves to cook (and is always at the grill):

• The Big Green Egg is the gift that keeps giving all summer. The iconic ceramic grill that does it all — smoke, grill, bake, roast. They're currently running a sale for Father’s Day.

• The MEATER Pro Duo is the wireless smart thermometer that takes the guesswork out of grilling. It's WiFi-enabled with an app that walks you through every step, so he can monitor the cook from anywhere.

• A pizza oven: I’m eager to start a new tradition of Friday-night pizza nights in our home, Ooni or Solo Stove Pi are both excellent — though both are outdoor and require a gas hookup. I have my eye on this countertop one instead, which I’ve heard is incredible.

• I love the knives from Made In. This one does it all — a great upgrade he'd never buy himself: razor sharp, perfectly balanced, and honestly beautiful. Perfect for all the meat he'll be grilling up this summer.

For the dad who gets worked up about taxes and needs to relax and add a splash of wellness in his life..

• Magnesium citrate. We go through this like water in our house and it's probably our most repurchased item on Amazon. Nothing like a little magnesium before bed to help you unwind and get that gentle nudge toward sleep.

• Lemme Sleep gummies: I post about these a lot, but for good reason. They've genuinely changed the quality of our sleep. I usually struggle with melatonin leaving me groggy, but these don't have that effect at all.

• Momentous Creatine: if he's not already taking creatine, this is the one to start with. NSF certified, unflavored, mixes clean. One of the most well-researched supplements out there for strength, muscle, and recovery. An easy add to his morning routine.

• The Eight Sleep: pricey, but every single person I know who has one is evangelical about it, and says it’s worth it.

• The Theragun Mini is a gift I gave years ago that actually gets used — daily. Small but powerful enough to make a real difference. My husband is never lounging on the couch without it.

• The Oura Ring: the wearable everyone has, and raves about. Sleep, recovery, heart rate variability, it tracks everything. The new Ring 5 just launched and is available for preorder now, shipping this week — smaller than the Ring 4, with more accurate sensing and enhanced battery life.

• Function Health: Test 160+ biomarkers twice a year. Think comprehensive bloodwork your doctor never orders, with clinician-reviewed results. Genuinely the most proactive thing you can do for your health — perfect for the dad who loves data and results. ($25 off here with my referral link)

For the sporty dad who never skips a workout:

• Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: My husband swears by these and says they're the best headphones he's used, getting him through the marathon. Bone conduction means your ears stay open so you can hear your surroundings — a game changer for running outdoors.

• Vuori is the brand every dad should have in his closet — athletic enough for a workout, put-together enough for errands, and comfortable enough for a full day of kid duty.

• For the golf dad, the Arccos Smart Laser Rangefinder is a serious upgrade. This one factors in wind, temperature, and humidity — not just slope — to give a true "plays like" distance. AI strategy, green maps, and it gets smarter with every software update.

For the dad who always likes to look top-notch:

• Matching bathing suits for him and son: One of the best Father's Day gift I gave was matching Vilebrequins for my husband and son — they wore them together all summer. So sweet!

• Proper Cloth dress shirts: For the dad who appreciates a well-made shirt, Proper Cloth is the best in the business. Fully custom — fabric, collar, cuff, fit — with an incredible range of options to choose from. You can do the whole thing online, or book an appointment at their NYC showroom to get properly measured. Once he has his size on file, reordering is effortless.

• Can’t go wrong with a quarter-zip. Peter Millar makes a nice one — the true wardrobe workhorse for errands, school drop-offs, and beach hangs. Johnny-O also makes some great ones for a more casual, performance take.

• If he doesn't have a Poncho shirt, where have you been? Started by a friend, it's been a runaway success — and for good reason. UPF 50+, magnetic pockets, a hidden zippered pocket, sunglasses holder, and a fabric that dries in minutes. The shirt he'll reach for all summer when he’s outside.

For the dad who loves a little decor in his life (and honestly, maybe a little gift for you too):

• A Jean Roger (ceramic!) frog: Major personality and always my favorite tabletop find. Great as a plant holder, key drop, or for any little knick-knack.

• The Aura frame doesn't look like a digital frame — it just looks like a really beautiful photo. My dad has one and loves it every time we add new photos, the gift that keeps on giving. (perfect for grandfathers!!)

Other things my husband loves that he suggested I include:

• A leaf blower. Apparently this brings him a level of life satisfaction I don’t fully understand. Same goes for a power washer. If this is what domestic middle-aged life is, I’m so here for it.

• A Turtlebox Ranger. It’s the outdoor speaker that goes everywhere — waterproof, drop-proof, and loud enough to fill a beach, a boat, or a golf cart.

• A bundle of summer beach reads, his current recommendation list includes: The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban, Streetwise by Lloyd Blankfein, The Snowball: Warren Buffett, and The Outsiders.

• ….and you can never go wrong with homemade baked goods to really show your appreciation (here’s my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.)

• Taste of Summer: Wednesday, June 3, 7–10:30 p.m. at Bethesda Terrace. The Central Park Conservancy’s annual benefit — and the city’s most glamorous official summer kickoff. Tastings from 40+ top NYC restaurants, cocktails, music, and dancing in one of the most magical settings in the city. Ticket proceeds support the Conservancy’s work across the park. (Adults only.)

• Museum Mile Festival: Tuesday, June 9, 6–9 p.m. NYC’s biggest block party returns — Fifth Avenue closes to cars from 82nd to 110th Street, and eight museums (the Met, Guggenheim, Cooper Hewitt, Jewish Museum, Neue Galerie, and more…) open their doors for free, with live performances and outdoor programming all along the route. I love this event with the kids.

• NY Philharmonic Concerts in Central Park: Wednesday, June 10 at 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn. The Phil’s free annual outdoor concert is one of those quintessential New York summer nights — pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and stake out your spot (arrive a couple hours early for a good one). Fireworks follow the performance.

• Disney's Encanto in Concert: Another great NY Phil event. On June 18–21 at David Geffen Hall. The NY Phil performs Encanto's Oscar-winning score live to the full film, with Lin-Manuel Miranda's songs played in real time. Weekend matinees at 2 p.m. are ideal for families.

• ABTKids: Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. at the Metropolitan Opera House. American Ballet Theatre’s one-hour introduction to ballet for families, hosted by Misty Copeland — a really sweet entry point for kids who are ballet-curious but not ready for a full three-hour Swan Lake. There’s also an optional hands-on pre-performance workshop starting at 9:15 a.m., if you want to turn it into a fuller morning.

• AMNH Sleepovers Summer Dates for registration: Tickets for July, August, and September sleepovers go on sale to Members on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m., and to the general public on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. These sell out in minutes, so set an alarm. $225 per person, kids 6–12 with a chaperone.

Fenimore Lane Design Summit: Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 at The Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT — one of my favorite hotels in the area. Hosted by interior designer Ariel Okin and her brand Fenimore Lane, the weekend includes an all-day Design Bazaar, panels, and hands-on workshops set across the Mayflower's beautiful grounds. The perfect early-summer countryside escape.

I’m excited to share Brooke Kennan’s NYC picks. Brooke is the founder of Kinderbrook Home, a beautiful brand inspired by country living, and timeless design. What began after decorating her family’s upstate retreat has grown into a collection of elegant home goods and apparel that feel both classic and fresh. When someone with Brooke’s tasteful eye shares her favorite places in New York City, I’m absolutely paying attention:

Shopping: Juju Vera: Make an appointment at the studio to shop the most beautiful vintage-inspired jewelry. Next on my list: creating a custom piece with the founder. Creel and Gow: Perfectly curated objects for the home. My favorite part is their one-of-a-kind pieces sourced from around the world. D Porthault: Iconic linens, but I especially love their robes, nightgowns, and baby pieces. I’m a sucker for the signature heart print. Belgian Shoes: A timeless classic, and with Father’s Day coming up, a fresh pair never disappoints.

Gourmet deli: William Poll: Some of the best sandwiches on the Upper East Side and a true neighborhood staple. Don’t leave without the watercress dip and homemade potato chips.

Tea time: Majorelle at The Lowell Hotel for the Lily of the Valley Tea: A collaboration with Dior Maison, so naturally every detail is perfection. Delicious tea served on beautiful Dior china in one of the prettiest settings in the city.

Dinner & a show: Café Carlyle: Tickets to a show at Café Carlyle. What feels more New York than that? Stop in Bemelman’s Bar before or after.

Restaurant: JG Melon: No fuss and nostalgic for every native New Yorker. A true Upper East Side classic with a great burger and fries.

For out-of-towners: American Museum of Natural History is my favorite museum to take the children to, and The Frick Collection is always worth a visit. If you’re visiting the city with children, don’t miss the Central Park Zoo and try to get tickets to The Lion King on Broadway.

Thank you for sharing your picks, Brooke!

June is my favorite month out east, the calm before the storm. Out at the Beach will be back in your inbox every Tuesday once things really get going, but in the meantime, here's what's on my list for June out east:

• U.S. Open Golf Tournament: June 15–21 at Shinnecock in Southampton with 150,000+ attendees expected across the 7-day championship week. Practice rounds Monday–Wednesday (June 15–17), championship rounds Thursday–Sunday (June 18–21). ALERT: This will reshape traffic majorly — plan ahead!!

• Open House at The Watermill Center: Saturday, May 30 from 2–4 p.m. in Water Mill. Robert Wilson's arts center opens its 10-acre campus to the public for an afternoon of workshops, performances, food, and interactive programs for all ages — a lovely way to experience one of the East End's most creative spaces. Free with a recommended $25 donation.

• Gathering: 30 Years of Hayground: Saturday, June 6, 5–8 p.m. in Bridgehampton. A family-friendly evening celebrating Hayground’s 30th anniversary with live music, food, a 100+ artist market, and kids’ activations including a trapeze demo. My kids go to Hayground Camp and it is a magical, special place. Tickets start at $25.

• Guild Hall in East Hampton kicks off its 2026 summer season this month. Always worth keeping an eye on their schedule — they consistently have wonderful programming for kids alongside the adult shows. Galleries are always free.

• LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton: A 16-acre sculpture garden and nature sanctuary, open Wednesday–Sunday, 12:30–5 p.m. A wonderful place to wander — June is the time to go, before the July crowds arrive. Speaking of which: the annual Summer Benefit "Beautopia" is Saturday, June 27 — cocktails, live music, and a live auction across the gardens.

• REMINDER! This one always sneaks up on me, but beach parking permits are required and they’re strictly enforced (started May 15). Each town AND village runs its own permit system and they aren’t interchangeable. All can be ordered online or by mail — you’ll need a photo of your car registration, license plate and payment info. Order this week so the sticker arrives before your first beach day! Helpful links: East Hampton Village (Main Beach, Georgica, Egypt, Wiborg, Two-Mile Hollow), Town of East Hampton (Indian Wells, Atlantic Avenue, Ditch Plains, Maidstone), and Town of Southampton (Coopers, Flying Point, Sagg Main, Mecox)

Summer travel prep is in full swing. Here’s what’s I have on my mind:

• These gummies (for adults only!)—truly magical for jet lag, or anytime I have a drink or two.

• This hat. One of my most-purchased links since starting the newsletter. It’s one of the rare travel hats that holds up and looks chic.

• Packing cubes. And these plastic zippered pouches—the use cases are endless (sunscreen, wet swimsuits, puzzle pieces, snacks…I could go on).

• The best suitcases—sturdy, lightweight, and good-looking.

• This Etsy dopp kit for kids was a runaway hit in my spring break guide, so I’m sharing it again.

• I’ve put together a comprehensive list of all my kids’ favorite books (including the ones I don’t mind reading on repeat, if you’re stuck in a rut).

• And here are a few of my favorite books for grown-ups (still adding to the list)—all great summer reads.

• Not something to pack, but to download, my son is obsessed with the Magic Woods podcast series.

• A Yoto Mini (non-negotiable) and our favorite water bottles that don’t leak or these teeny, light cuties.

• I posted about this gorgeous bathing suit last week— it’s now sold out in a handful sizes, grab it while you can or set up a notify. It’s a good one!

• TEFAF New York: Today is your last chance to catch the spring legendary fair. 88 international dealers across the Park Avenue Armory's 16 historic period rooms — modern and contemporary art, design, jewelry, and antiquities. Closes at 6pm today.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20) at Heckscher Playground. My favorite family event of the year — games, activities, and live entertainment, all benefiting the daily care of Central Park's 21 playgrounds. If you snagged tickets, see you there!

• Costume Art at the Met: The Costume Institute's spring exhibition is officially open through January 2027. Nearly 400 objects pair garments with paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts to explore the dressed body across art history. Free with admission; go early on a weekday to beat the crowds.

• Matisse at Acquavella: Closes Friday, May 22 — and the window is closing. Fifty paintings, works on paper, and sculpture spanning Matisse's full career, with loans from MoMA, the Met, the Phillips Collection, and major private collections. Free, no tickets.

• Shakespeare in the Park returns: The Public Theater's 2026 season opens Thursday, May 22 at the newly renovated Delacorte with Romeo & Juliet — staged in English, but with Romeo and Juliet speaking to each other in Spanish. Running through June 28; The Winter's Tale follows in July. Tickets are free via day-of in-person lines, borough voucher pickups (14 dates at Citizens branches), and a digital lottery on TodayTix. Set up your Public Theater Patron ID in advance so you're ready to go.

• Pickleball at Wollman Rink: CityPickle's 14 courts are open daily, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. through early fall. Court rentals, clinics for every level, $5 community play, and a kids' summer camp July 27–August 21. Book through the CityPickle app — reservations open a week in advance.

• And on the food front, one warm-weather trend I can't get enough of: FroYo is having another moment in NYC and I'm so, so here for it. The current hot spots, to name a few: Madison Fare (still my favorite, now downtown), Mimi's (downtown for now, opening at 72nd & Lex in June!), Myka (recently opened in the West Village, top of my list to try), and Birdie's (I've heard the line is worth it)!

• Manhattanhenge: Two nights to catch it — Thursday, May 28 at 8:14 p.m. for half-sun on the grid, and Friday, May 29 at 8:13 p.m. for the full disc. Best viewing from 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Streets — as far east as you can get with a clear shot west toward Jersey.

• Family Saturdays at NYCB — The Comedy of Coppélia: Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. at the David H. Koch Theater. A one-hour onstage presentation hosted by Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild, with live excerpts from Balanchine's Coppélia. The perfect intro to ballet for kids 5+.

• If you missed it last week, here's your guide to throwing the best bash for your kids in NYC. (thinking about year-end parties!) In other party news, No Biggie recently launched — a kids' beverage company. After years of my kids stealing my Spindrifts, I love that they finally have a drink of their own that feels special (and isn't sugary juice).

• It was my daughter's birthday last week, and this rainbow crystal collection was her favorite gift — going straight into my rotation for her friends' birthdays. It’s simple but magical and sweet.

• Year-end teacher gifting: It's that time of year again, time to show our incredible teachers how much we appreciate them. I think cash or an Amex gift card is always the move, but it's nice to layer in something personal and tangible. A few ideas:

  • A Heyday facial gift credit, or a gift card for a mani-pedi at a nearby salon

  • A summer kit — hair ties, lip balm, sunscreen, beach towel — tucked into a monogrammed L.L. Bean tote (with the zipper!)

  • Treats: L.A. Burdick chocolate mice or a BonBon gift box is always a hit

  • A personalized Smythson notebook or personalized stationery

  • A bundle of summer beach reads (some of my favorite books here) and excellent coffee table books here

  • An orchid for their desk. Or, I have been loving gifting topiaries and think Lenox Hill Florists (Lex and 79th) offer some great ones at a decent price.

• I ran out of tinted moisturizer the other day and a friend raved about Jones Road. Now I understand why the Madison store is always packed. I’m loving this moisturizing foundation, the colored eye shadow stick are excellent, and this cheek glow is perfection.

• I just got these jeans and I’m obsessed — they’re as comfortable as sweatpants, and the compliments don’t stop. I’ll be living in them this summer.

• Summer shopping for the kids: Starting now (more to come), but at the top of the list are always Cadet shorts for my boys — they're the perfect short length. Minnow's new summer collection just launched and here's what I'm eyeing:

  • I love this long-sleeved suit for my daughter, and will get her brothers matching shorts

  • Or how perfectly adorable is this strawberry suit!?

  • These swim shorts for 4th of July!

  • And 4th of July outfit solved for all three of my kids: these shorts and matching sweater (I live for a coordinated set!)

• ….and some summer shopping for me:

  • The J.Crew x Tekkes collaboration flip flops are excellent. Speaking of J.Crew, they absolutely crushed it with this bathing suit.

  • WNU shorts. I’m not a shorts girl, but these look like the perfect ones to change my mind

  • My friend Molly swears by this non-iron oxford, which feels right up my alley

  • White tshirts from Leset are still the best I’ve found (and very much worth the price!), but I’ve also heard great things about this Buck Mason one, too

  • And going back to Minnow one more time, I love this scalloped cover up and will live in it all summer

  • Dorsey’s new collection is stunning and these colorful necklace add a perfect pop to all the white I’ll be wearing. Okay, and a moment for this joyful cuff.

I'll be sending dedicated Out at the Beach (Hamptons!) weekly emails soon. In the meantime, if you're Out East this (rainy! cold!) weekend, join us at the ColorPop x Out at the Beach Summer Launch Party — Monday, May 25 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Come hang with me and the kids at ColorPop in Southampton for the perfect indoor activity. We'll be making resin charcuterie boards (hello, summer hosting!) and helping ColorPop celebrate their "Ice Cream" Slime Shop launch. Register here!

Below, I've marked my personal favorites with 🍭🍭🍭 — consider them my editor's picks for those that really deliver.

🍭🍭🍭 Need a gift for a kid? Books are always my answer — here are our favorites. And if you're looking for more, I've pulled together my favorite girl gifts, boy gifts, and gifts for preschoolers.

• Paper Source: Reliable basics. Great for solid-color napkins, cake candles, gift wrap, and last-minute paper goods. I especially love their tissue paper garlands and honeycomb tissue paper decor — a perfect pop of color and super easy to set up.

• Houses & Parties: A brilliantly maximalist world of tabletop, paper goods, and party decor. Everything is full of wit and whimsy — the opposite of restrained, in the best possible way.

• 🍭🍭🍭 Meri Meri: My go-to for kids’ party paper goods. Gorgeous themed plates, napkins, garlands, and party hats — the prints are beautiful, the quality is solid.

• Modern State: A UES neighborhood institution (two locations on 3rd/72nd Street and Lex/86th Street). Excellent for last-minute party supplies, candles, balloons, and stationery — basically a one-stop-shop for the basics. I especially love their plastic cake stands, bowls, and serving platters.

• 🍭🍭🍭 Pavilion Paper: Hands down, the chicest paper plates I’ve seen. They look like china — beautifully patterned, elegant, but they’re paper. I love them so much I want to throw a party just to display them. Table Two Studio also makes delightful and gorgeous paper plates.

• 🍭🍭🍭 Here are the Amazon party and decorating finds I keep coming back to.

Below the paywall—where to purchase balloons, the BEST entertainment, coaches, live music, food and catering, desserts, goody bag ideas, and how to throw a party in Central Park. There’s so much in this one!

Read more

• It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday! Here are my ideas for a perfect Mother’s Day weekend in NYC—plus a few gift ideas :)

  • I'm packing a picnic and dragging my family to the NYBG for their Mother's Day Celebration. The Guggenheim's Mother's Day event also looks lovely.

• A few things I've covered in past weeks happening now:

  • Housing Works Design on a Dime (tonight, I’ll be there!)

  • Spring is Blooming at Rockefeller Center (this weekend)

  • Carnegie Hall Music Explorers (Saturday at 12 p.m.)

  • Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty at Kaye Playhouse (68th between Park and Lex) on Saturday, May 9 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Last weekend we took the kids to Keith Haring at the Brant Foundation, afterwards, walked over to Tompkins Square Park, and had lunch at Hanoi House (the kids loved it). Momofuku Noodle Bar and Taqueria Ramirez are also excellent options within a couple of blocks. A perfect outing.

• Free Second Sunday at the Whitney: Sunday, May 10, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. The museum is free all day. There will be art-making tied to exhibitions on view, tours, storytime, and family programming throughout the museum. Tickets are free but required and capacity is limited, so reserve in advance.

  • Hit up Frenchette Bakery or Pastis before or after

• Family Afternoon — Fun with Raphael at The Met: Sunday, May 10, 1–4 p.m. A free, drop-in family afternoon tied to the Met's Raphael: Sublime Poetry exhibition. Hands-on art-making, gallery tours, and family portrait projects. Best for ages 3+; materials provided, no museum admission required.

• Marcel Duchamp at MoMA: On view through August 22. The first U.S. retrospective of Duchamp in over 50 years, with some 300 works spanning his full career. While you’re there, don’t miss the Sculpture Garden — especially gorgeous now that the weather has turned.

• Teens Take The Met: Worth flagging early if you have a teen — Friday, May 15, 4–8 p.m. The Met opens after-hours for teens only (ages 13–18 with a middle or high school ID), with drop-in art-making, performances, music, and activations from 60+ NYC cultural and community partners across the museum. Free; just show up or RSVP in advance to skip the line.

Now that the weather is warmer, we're back in the playgrounds. Central Park's are excellent — and like most NYC families, we're there on heavy rotation. It's a home away from home. 72nd Street, 76th Street, Ancient, Billy Johnson: tried, true, and wonderful. But this spring I'm making it a goal to branch out — here are the playgrounds I want to explore:

• Slide Hill, Governors Island: Huge slide my kids would love, and a full-day adventure with the ferry ride. Plus, I want to check out The Yard while we’re there — looks incredible.

• The Battery Playscape: My kids loved this the last time we were there. We started with a spin on the SeaGlass Carousel, and Tacombi for lunch after. Further north in Battery Park City is Teardrop Park, which looks like a gorgeous architectural experience with a “secret garden” feel.

• Chelsea Waterside Playground: Might save this one for a hot day when they can be in their suits. Possibly a bribe for patience at the galleries beforehand.

• Imagination Playground at Burling Slip, Seaport (different from the one in Prospect Park): Fun and interactive with blocks and parts kids can assemble. South Street Seaport feels like a hidden treasure I'd love to explore more with them.

• Imagination Playground, Prospect Park: Gorgeous bronze sculptures — looks more like a forest than a playground. The Prospect Park carousel and Brooklyn Botanic Garden are nearby — would love to make a day of it.

• Domino Park, Williamsburg: Always meant to make it over here. The old sugar refinery turned playground looks incredible, and Tacocina is right there for margaritas while the kids run wild.

• Heckscher Playground: Yes, technically Central Park — but somehow not on our rotation. I'm reminded how great it is every spring at the Annual Playground Partners event (May 20, get your tickets!), and every year I promise myself we'll come back more often.

• Anytime my kids bring sidewalk chalk to the playground, it's an instant friend-maker — and a nice lesson in sharing. We don't leave home without it. Same goes for this bubble maker—another instant crowd pleaser.

• The biggest hit at the playground? A stomp rocket. My kids could play with it for hours.

• My daughter has this scooter basket and gets so many compliments on it. (Bonus: she carries her own water bottle and snacks.)

• Speaking of scooters, I've tried every helmet and nothing beats Woom. Secure, stays put, and zero comfort complaints.

• Snacks, snacks, snacks. Don’t even get me started. Eleni’s kindly sent us some cookies that my kids have been loving. Great, delicious flavors, perfect sized snack bags, and wonderful as a special treat.

• To carry it all? I LOVE my personalized L.L.Bean Boat & Tote Mini — perfect size for the essentials without being weighed down. But I've had my eye on this canvas tote that looks very chic.

• Credo Beauty is having a 20% off sale (perfect for last-minute Mother's Day gifting!). Here are the products I swear by and rebuy on repeat:

  • Cleansing oil + makeup remover

  • Hands-down best mascara (clean, great lift)

  • Milk hair serum (smells excellent!)

  • Great floss, the free dentist stuff doesn’t compare

  • Deodorant that’s clean (and works!)

  • Salt scalp scrub (washing my hair has never been the same)

  • An excellent dry brush for pre-shower

• Picnic season is here, and somehow I can’t find our blankets anywhere — time for something new. The contenders: YETI Lowlands blanket (priciest but best reviews, and I love anything YETI), BAGGU (the prints!), Nomadix Festival Blanket (fun, great reviews), and Oso & Me (love this brand!). Which to choose?!

• Some books my kids are loving right now — and I have to admit, I think they're great too:

  • My kindergarten daughter: The Itty Bitty Princess Kitty series — adorable and so, so sweet.

  • My first-grade son: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (we have to peel him away from it).

  • Four-year-old son: Maisy book (so sweetly British), he’s obsessed with them.

• Meet Oliver Jeffers at Books of Wonder: Thursday, April 30 at 6p.m. The legendary author and illustrator is coming to Books of Wonder (W 17th Street) to celebrate his newest books. My kids are huge Oliver Jeffers fans — Here We Are, The Great Paper Caper, and The Day the Crayons Quit are in constant rotation at our house. Books of Wonder itself is such a charming kids' bookstore; any excuse to pop in is a good one. RSVP in advance.

• Parsons Dance Family Matinee at The Joyce: Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. Parsons Dance brings its signature high-energy athleticism and joyful virtuosity to The Joyce with a family-friendly matinee featuring six works. Run time is 90 minutes with intermission. A great intro to contemporary dance for kids.

• Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Lion King at Hudson Yards: Saturday, May 2 at 11 a.m. A free family event at Hudson Yards that kicks off with a live, interactive mini-concert by Carnegie Hall's Ensemble Connect exploring the music of The Lion King, followed by a screening of the beloved film on the 30-foot Big Screen. No tickets required — and the perfect free family outing.

• Van Cleef & Arpels: Spring is Blooming at Rockefeller Center: Running weekends of May 2–3, and May 9–10, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Van Cleef & Arpels transforms the Channel Gardens and Summer Rink into a whimsical French garden, with contemporary dance, children’s storybook readings, poetry, and live painting all weekend long. Free and open to the public.

• Rug Concerts® at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. This month’s program is Bluegrass Brings the Fun Home — 45 minutes of lively string-band tunes that will have kids tapping their toes. A family favorite and worth checking out if you haven’t been before. Tickets are $35 per person (children under 1 are free) and must be purchased in advance.

• Looking ahead to next weekend: Musical Explorers Family Concert at Carnegie Hall: Saturday, May 9 at 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. A highly interactive family concert featuring folk traditions from around the world. Free pre-concert activities start one hour before each show. Tickets are $20 and are selling out.

• goop Kitchen: Who's just as excited as I am that goop Kitchen has landed in NYC? The first location in Midtown West (delivery only) opened last week, with UES, Williamsburg, and Flatiron locations coming later this summer

• Marcel is finally open at Sotheby’s—the space is stunning.

• In other excellent UES openings, Fellini Coffee has opened a new location at 88th and Lexington, a perfect place to meet for a drink.

• Soto Method, on 86th and Lexington and has become one of my favorite workout classes that opened a few weeks ago.

I'm excited to share Julia Amory's NYC picks. Julia is a born-and-bred New Yorker and the founder of Julia Amory, the lifestyle brand known for its bold prints, rich colors, and expertly mixed patterns — spanning table linens and clothing, with gorgeous shops in Southampton, Palm Beach, and Charleston (..and newly opened Nantucket!). Her sensibility extends well beyond the brand and into her stunning homes in West Palm Beach and Southampton. I’ve long admired her personal style, and when a New Yorker with Julia's eye shares her picks, I'm paying attention:

Restaurants:

• Sette Mezzo - A creature comfort....you’ll always run into someones dad

• Sushi Seki - Upper East Side location only. Simple, open late for the bankers. Off menu orders reign supreme.

• Elios - For a perfect Sunday night family dinner

• Mezzaluna - Elated they’ve been saved, rumor has it they were closing but a true and timeless unfussy Upper East Side classic

To dos:

• MoMa - I used to go on Saturdays to the children’s program growing up in exchange for being told I could go to Bendel’s post....never a dull moment.

• Museum of the City of New York - Right at the top of Museum Mile she’s slightly off the beaten path but such a special place for any true New Yorker.

• Photography Institute - I went often during my school years and love to visit when in the city.

• Neue Galerie - Go for the art stay for the hot chocolate.

Shopping:

• E.A.T. Gifts - 30 years strong, there is no oddity you won’t find. Truly one of my favorite places in the city.

• Zitomers - Should you need to pick up Skin so Soft or an Aqua di Parma candle, the toy floor is gone.

Local Haunts:

• Dorrians - I don’t think I need to elaborate, but time stands still...

• Via Quadronno - For the best iced latte in town.

Thanks for sharing your picks, Julia!!

• My friend Marina makes the most delightful seasonal goody bundles, and love her newest collection: Spring Into Summer is outdoor-inspired — a sunflower grow kit, magnifying bug enclosure, compass, UV solar paper, and so many more things to do outside. Any child will LOVE.

• This rainbow loom kit: My daughter is obsessed and will spend hours focused on it. Even her brothers (and me!) have gotten in on the fun. Such a great quiet, independent activity.

• Reminder that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10.

I'm a millennial through and through, which means I'd always choose an experience over a gift. Here's what I think could make for the perfect Mother's Day:

1. Central Park’s Conservatory Gardens 2. Domenico Gnoli’s L’inverno (Couple au lit) 3. The Boathouse

• Breakfast in bed: no complaints here if I wake up to this Scully & Scully breakfast tray, with a personalized Royal Copenhagen mug.

• Mother's Day Celebration at the Guggenheim: From 11 a.m.–3 p.m. A drop-in family celebration inspired by Carol Bove's exhibition — chess on Bove-designed tables, hands-on artmaking, a Tactile Library, and a participatory performance at 12, 1, and 2 p.m. Advance registration required; $30 for adults, free for members and kids 12 and under.

• A day at NYBG: pack a picnic, wander the grounds, and catch the Orchid Show before it closes April 26. The spring blooms right now are genuinely stunning. A family membership makes a great gift too.

• Conservatory Garden in Central Park: equally gorgeous, far less of a trek. Follow it up with brunch or dessert at Café Sabarsky. A very civilized morning.

• Lunch, without the children: at the newly opened Marcel is at the top of my list (the space alone is worth it). Also on my radar: Café Zaffri and Raf’s. Or afternoon tea at The Lowell — such a treat

• The Domenico Gnoli exhibit at Lévy Gorvy Dayan: on view through May 23, and I’ve been meaning to get there for the last few weeks. Also worth a visit: Salon94’s Ruby Neri exhibit and the Keith Haring exhibit at The Brant Foundation

• A walking tour of the city: this guy comes highly recommended and is supposedly incredible. Solo, no stroller, no snack requests.

• A class package at my two favorite workout studios: Soto Method (just opened on 86th Street) and The Formula (Bridgehampton schedule just dropped, and a new UES studio is coming soon).

• A facial at Knockout Beauty: nothing else compares.

• Central Park Boathouse rowboat rental: touristy, yes, but one of our favorite once-a-year traditions. Cap it off with a treat at the boathouse café

If you’re more of a gift person, I’ve got you covered there too. Here are some ideas high on my list:

1. Phone Charm 2. Personalized Mug 3. Bandana Tote 4. Jewelry box 5. Necklace 6. Vase

• Flowers — you cannot go wrong with Flowers by Philip, Zeze (the best), Eros Flowers, Alexander Florals, or Élan Flowers for a downtown option. UrbanStems works if you stay in the peony section. And if your husband shares my husband’s feelings about cut flowers, the Green Vase paper floral route is genuinely beautiful.

• Courtney Leidy necklace: my friend makes the most gorgeous pieces: colorful gemstones on silk cords, a total burst of joy.

• Dorsey tennis necklace: faux diamonds are in (lucky you and your wallets, men!), and this is my most-complimented piece. Their other styles are equally good — like these earrings, and these, and also love this bracelet.

• Frances Palmer ceramic vase: she makes the most gorgeous vessels, bonus points if it arrives filled with flowers.

• Ossa phone case + gem wristlet: the compliments are endless (my daughter gives me most of them, but still).

• Create Academy subscription: I walk on a steep treadmill incline a few times a week and can watch decorators chat for hours. Truly love this subscription.

• Fresh PJs: always appreciated. I love this nightgown and this seersucker set from Lake. Negative Underwear’s Whipped collection is also perennially perfect.

• The gift of sleep: These gummies work so incredibly well and everyone I’ve recommend them to is as obsessed as I am. And if you really want to splurge this year, I’ve heard an EightSleep system is game-changing from so many people (and worth it!)

• KUJTEN bandana scarf: I know, broken record, but they’re just that good. So many great spring colors. And these bandana totes and pouches are having a moment too — great as a laptop bag, diaper bag, or just a very chic everyday carry.

• Giorni trinket dish or jewelry box: this one and this one are both incredibly chic and the kind of thing that lives on a dresser forever.

Add to your calendars! A few upcoming events worth buying tickets for in advance:

• Housing Works Design on a Dime: Tuesday, May 5. Top designers curate shoppable vignettes of luxury home décor and art — all marked down for a great cause. Tickets in advance, GA 7–9 p.m. (adults)

• Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2 at Industry City, Brooklyn. NYU Langone's inaugural family block party with games, activities, and food for kids 6 months–18 years. Noon–4 p.m., free and open to the public.

• Park Avenue Day 2026: Saturday, May 16, Park Avenue (34th–40th Streets). One of the neighborhood's best annual street festivals — 200+ booths of art, fashion, food, and local makers. Free, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: Wednesday, May 20 in Central Park. My favorite family event of the year — 25+ activities for kids 6 months–10 years supporting the care of Central Park's playgrounds. Tickets sell out, so don't wait.

Below, I’ve marked my personal favorite spaces with a 🎉🎉🎉 — consider it my editor’s pick for venues that really deliver.

🎉🎉🎉 Complete Playground (FiDi): The sheer variety: ninja zones, trampolines, sensory areas — means kids of all ages and energy levels stay engaged. A solid, crowd-pleasing pick that’s ideal for larger groups—there’s enough going on that kids naturally spread out.

🎉🎉🎉 Space (Brooklyn — Greenpoint, Fort Greene, Dumbo): The Dumbo location is worth the trip — a three-level playground with immersive design elements that go well beyond a typical playspace. Insider tip: Opt for Dumbo over other locations—it’s the most visually impressive and feels like a true “destination” party.

Cocoon (Tribeca & UWS): A beautifully designed space that feels more intentional than most. The membership base keeps it from ever feeling chaotic or overcrowded. Insider tip: Book an early time slot—especially on weekends—for a calmer, more controlled experience.

Gymtime Rhythm & Glues (UES): A versatile party option — gymnastics, art, cooking, music, and more — so you can tailor it entirely to your child’s interests. Insider tip: Ask about combining two activities (e.g., gym + art) to keep the flow dynamic for mixed-interest groups.

🎉🎉🎉 Genius Gems (Chelsea): The open-ended Magna-tile and design challenge format lets kids direct their own fun — one of the most-requested party venues for the build-obsessed set. Best for kids 4+ who can engage independently—less structured, more creativity-driven.

Museum of Mathematics / MoMath (Flatiron): Full-day museum access plus a private room and guided math activity — think building Leonardo da Vinci-inspired domes or a museum-wide scavenger hunt. A smart, unexpected pick for the curious kid.

The rest of this guide is contains venue recommendations for children who are into art, sports, best venue recommendations toddlers, older kids and some unique experiences. Subscribe to read more…

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We're back — and spring is officially here, measured by the blooms on the trees. The energy is different, the light is different, and I certainly have a pep in my step. Below are some events I've bought tickets for and cannot wait to attend in the coming weeks.

• YOAH: Running through April 19. A wordless, breathtaking Japanese circus experience at New Victory Theater. Aerial silks, soaring juggling, and glowing diabolos set to a mix of traditional Japanese drumming and electronica. Straight from Japan and making its U.S. debut. Recommended for ages 7 and up; tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18 at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify — lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.

  • Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People’s Concert on its own.

• Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2 at Industry City, Brooklyn. The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. A wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

• Park Avenue Day 2026: Saturday, May 16 on Park Avenue, 34th–40th Streets. One of the neighborhood’s most beloved annual street festivals. Park Avenue transforms into an open-air celebration with 200+ booths of art, fashion, food, and local makers. Free to attend, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: Wednesday, May 20 in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Tickets always sell out.

• Housing Works Design on a Dime: Tuesday, May 5. The beloved annual design fundraiser returns — this year reimagined as a one-night-only event. Top interior designers curate shoppable vignettes with luxury home décor, furnishings, and art, all marked down significantly for a great cause. General Admission 7–9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• AMNH Spring Lunch: Wednesday, April 22 at American Museum of Natural History. The museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics.

There’s no shortage of incredible art to see this spring. Here are three I'm particularly looking forward to checking out with the kids:

• Keith Haring at The Brant Foundation: On through May 31. A focused survey of Haring’s early breakthrough years (1980–1983), set in the East Village neighborhood where he first made his name. Open Wednesday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat–Sun 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tickets must be booked in advance.

• Frida and Diego: The Last Dream: Running through September 12 at MoMA. A stunning collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera, this exhibition brings together works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in an elaborate theatrical setting designed by the opera’s set designer. Organized alongside the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego — a beautiful pairing if you’re seeing the opera too.

• New Museum: After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum has reopened with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition features over 200 artists. Worth a visit!

I'm excited to share Hannah Bronfman's NYC picks. Hannah is a born-and-bred New Yorker who has genuinely done it all. A former DJ, she parlayed her platform into HBFIT, one of the original wellness destinations on the internet. She's also an author, angel investor with over 70 investments under her belt, mother of two, and now runs , a Substack covering wellness, beauty, and the life of a founder. And when a New Yorker with her taste shares her picks for the city, we listen:

• “Spiral books: A cozy and warm SoHo kids book shop that does free story time on the weekends. They also have a partnership with the Whitney Museum and do story time events there as well. Which leads me to…

• Whitney Museum: They have amazing kids programming on the second Sunday of every month. They just finished the Calder Circus exhibit and had wonderful crafts and interactive activities for families. Before that it was Alvin Ailey which was spectacular as well. Bonus, Frenchette is attached to the building and on Resy.

• Or’esh: delicious Mediterranean cuisine from the group behind The Eight Six and The Corner Store. One of the stand outs are the chicken liver cigars

• Space: in Brooklyn Heights is so fun for kids. We had our son‘s birthday party here. Go early. They have a great smoothie bar and you’re just a short walk from the carousel in Dumbo on the water.

• Remedy Place: The perfect place to rejuvenate and recharge and the space feels very inviting so it’s nice to even go with a friend.

• Soto Method: Soto was founded by Hilary Hoffman and I have really loved bringing Soto into my routine and now she has a new studio on the UES.

• Rigor Hill Market: I can officially say this is the only place where I buy my bread. To know me is to know I love artisanal loafs, and this is the best bread in Tribeca.”

Thanks for sharing your picks, Hannah!

• If you missed it last week I wrote about cooking for and with children, and here’s my indoor NYC activity guide

• I LOVE these Donni pants (they come in great colors and so easy to dress up or down for spring). I have the pistachio and I’ll be living in them for the next few months, paired with my favorite ivory J.Crew roll neck sweater (size down).

• Central Park Boathouse Rowboat Rentals are back open. It’s one of our favorite once-a-year warm weather traditions with the kids.

• Central Park Conservancy puts out some great resources to enjoy the most of Central Park this spring. I’m loving this cherry blossom tracker, and for my kids, this birding guide

As a parent, you know the role comes with an unofficial job title(s) — part short-order chef, part server, part cleaner. Cooking for kids (and kids’ diets) are personal to every family, and this post is simply a peek into what works for ours.

I actually love cooking. It’s my favorite creative outlet, which I realize puts me in the minority (no judgment, thank goodness for Seamless). I also happen to have a son who genuinely wants to be in the kitchen with me, which is both a blessing and a test of patience. But I’ve found that getting kids involved in the prep makes them far more likely to actually eat what ends up on their plate. So we keep at it.

Here are a handful of recipes that are on regular rotation in our house — and actually eaten by all parties. I'm always on the hunt for new ideas, so if you have a go-to kids' recipe you swear by, please hit reply and share it!

• Everyday meatballs: This is always in the weekly rotation. I take out the garlic, parsley, pepper and cook them in Rao’s instead of canned tomatoes.

• Zucchini rice & cheese bake: Another great recipe. My kids don’t even know the zucchini is in there.

• Cheesy pizza beans: This one is so, so good. Super easy, and honestly tastes just like pizza.

• Breaded cheesy chicken: I skip the parsley and never bother rolling it out or pounding them into thin cutlets, just cut a chicken breast in half. Great every time and I bring in the Rao’s as a fancy dipping sauce.

• Chicken in a pot with lemon and orzo by Nigella Lawson: I love this one-pot meal. It tastes like a fancy, grown-up chicken noodle soup, but far better.

• Sushi rolls: By using this mat and sheets of nori, we add sliced cucumber, carrots and avocado. The only annoying thing is slicing the veggies as finely as possible.

• Summer rolls: A similar concept, but using rice paper instead. Add rice noodles, thinly sliced chicken, shrimp, and any other veggies they’ll eat. I add a ton of herbs (cilantro, mint and basil) to mine. Make this peanut sauce that everyone is obsessed with.

• Smoothies: A breakfast staple in our house. I blend a banana, frozen blueberries, a large scoop of peanut butter, almond milk, and ice — and if I think they need a protein boost, I’ll sneak in a scoop of my favorite chocolate protein powder.

• Banana muffins: I make these the evening before and it’s the most straightforward breakfast. I skip the brown sugar and no one notices.

• We call it a look-out tower — the best way to get kids at counter-top height and in on the action. There are plenty of options out there, but this one is great as it folds.

• I love this brand for kids' tableware. They don't break, come in great colors, and are available in a range of sizes. But the real game-changer? Filling up this pitcher with water before any meal and I no longer have to get up to refill water, a genuine game-changer.

• If you’re not going the Falcon Enamelware route, Duralex is a great option for glassware. They’re so durable and a nice entry into the glassware world for kids. (and for me, always a lovely reminder of Paris)

• Speaking of, I love this bistrot flatware and think it’s a nice kitchen upgrade (and worth the investment) that doesn’t seem too precious for kids to use

• How sweet are these personalized napkin rings!? A real linen and these definitely take dinner to next level (and maybe help with table manners if I tell them it’s a fancy dinner!?)

• A knife and food prep set for the kid who is ready for it, but we have these in the meantime and they’re also great.

• Etsy makes the best personalized aprons for kids, I’m dying to get this one for my daughter, and this one is super cute too.

I have a deep love for kitchen equipment. Here are the items that have genuinely changed the way I cook since having kids:

• Countertop toaster oven: This has been the biggest game-changer. I use it multiple times a day, for nearly every meal; roasting fish, warming up chicken, making cheesy bread and dino bites, I could go on and on. I don't know what I was doing before it. If you don’t have a countertop oven, you must run to get one.

• I’m a big user of kitchen scissors when the kids are around: anything from cutting their pizza into strips, cutting the crust off their toast, it’s so much easier than a knife. I love it for cutting herbs, too.

• Not all vegetable peelers are created equal and this one is superior. There’s something about the weight and glide. Get this upgrade!

• Same goes for this lemon/lime juice squeezer.

• This large 8-cup measuring bowl. It’s a go-to for when baking, making pancakes, scrambled egg prep, etc. Great for kids to help with the large side handle.

• I've read that professional use these Cambro containers, so now, I do too. They’re great for storing pantry items (sugar, flour) but I also use them to marinate or food prep, too.

• I never cook any protein without a meat thermometer by my side, nothing overdone, nor undercooked.

• I thought this food scraper was a silly tool I’d never use, but I use it all the time (especially love it for garlic, onions, any chopped veggies)

• This cookware set from Caraway is a staple, also always using the Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place (love the mini and the really large one)

• There are so many Le Creuset variations worth owning, but especially love an 8 qt. dutch oven, a deep baking dish, a tiny saucepan (perfect for boiling an egg or melting butter) and this utensil crock.

• Big Night on Lex and 73rd is worth a visit — it’s the perfect spot to pick up a hostess gift or treat yourself to a kitchen upgrade that sparks a little joy. So many things I love like these, these, this and this.

• LOVE this glassware from CB2. They can easily break (definitely not for kids), but I’m okay with it given the price…They’re super, super thin, look chic and far more expensive than they really are. I just got these and almost love them more than the original.

Here are my kids’ and my favorite cookbooks. We have fun flipping through the pages, them enthusiastically telling me everything they want to make — and then, of course, refusing to eat half of it. But the cooking together part is a great time.

• Kid in the Kitchen: I love Melissa Clark and her recipes on NYT Cooking. A lot of the recipes in here I’d cook just for myself, too.

• The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs: I also love anything Cook’s Illustrated puts out, this one is no exception. True to form, it has content on prep, technique, and equipment for kids. Here’s the baking version, which I love equally.

• The River Cafe Look Book: At the intersection of a beautiful coffee table book and sophisticated recipes for kids. I love giving this one — it’s as beautiful as it is useful.

• Also, if you have a science-loving child like I do, I strongly recommend this one. My son is obsessed.

• Martha Stewart: 100 Favorite Recipes is a cookbook I frequently reference, along with anything Smitten Kitchen (by ), goop’s It’s All Good, Nothing Fancy (by ) and The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook (by )

• I love all and anything and she just announced she’s coming out with a new cookbook in October: Simply Ina. How exciting is that?!

• is a great follow on Instagram and I’ve saved so many of her recipes. I’m excited to check out her new cookbook that was recently released.

Bon appétit! I always love talking all things kitchen, so please feel free to respond back and tell me your favorite recipes and equipment.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate. 🍀 A reminder that the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is running on Fifth Avenue today, starting at 11 a.m. It may affect some traffic and midday commuting times. And if your kids are off school today, what a fun activity!

The city is buzzing with amazing art events and exhibitions this week and over the next couple of months. It’s moments like these are exactly why I love living in New York.

• The Met’s 19th Annual Evening Celebrating Women: Tonight, Tuesday, March 17, from 6–8 p.m. at The Met. This year’s honorees include Misty Copeland, among other women leaders in the arts, education, and government. Remarks begin at 7 p.m. Free, but advance registration is required.

• Whitney Biennial 2026: Just opened and now on view through August 23, the 82nd edition features work by 56 artists and collectives reflecting the current moment — tension, tenderness, humor, and unease. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Lillian Bassman: Bazaar and Beyond at The Met: On view through July 26. A beautiful exhibition exploring the work of fashion photographer Lillian Bassman, whose abstract, darkroom-distorted images redefined mid-century fashion photography.

• New Museum Reopening: This weekend! After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum reopens on Saturday, March 21 with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition, New Humans: Memories of the Future, features over 200 artists. Admission is free this opening weekend (March 21–22) — tickets must be reserved in advance.

• Guggenheim Day Camp: Friday, March 20. A full day of art exploration for kids. A good option if you’re looking for something structured and creative for those who may not have school.

• Art Cart at the Guggenheim: Saturday, March 21, drop-in, hands-on art-making for families. Free with museum admission.

• MoMA Mart Faux Food: Reminder, the MoMA popup food market (in SoHo) closes March 29 — last chance to check it out if you haven’t been.

• Affordable Art Fair is back, held in Chelsea and running March 18–22. With 90 galleries and every piece priced between $100 and $12k, it's one of the most accessible art fairs around. Family Hours on Sunday, March 22 (10am–5pm) welcomes kids 10 and under, with art activities for little ones too. We've found some great things for the kids at Tag Fine Arts, a gallery that will be exhibiting there.

• The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle at NYBG: Running through April 26, floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic transforms the Conservatory into a tribute to NYC — orchid-covered brownstones, subway stations, stoops, and slice shops. Visiting this is high on my spring to-do list.

• Cherry Blossom Season is Coming: Cherry blossoms will soon start to appear around the city (early April). It’s one of my favorite “I Love New York” moments. Here are some of the best places in Manhattan to catch them: Ladurée Soho, Central Park (specifically around reservoir/Bridle path, Pilgrim Hill, Cherry Hill, Cedar Hill and the Great Lawn), Carl Schurz Park, Riverside Park, Roosevelt Island, and Harlem River Greenway

  • And if you want to make an evening of it in Brooklyn, Hanami Nights at Brooklyn Botanic Garden runs April 21–24 from 5–8:30 p.m.— cherry blossoms lit up at night, live music, bento boxes, sake, and Japanese beer under the famous Kanzan trees. Tickets sell out fast.

• I’m still in full spring break prep mode — and Julia Amory never disappoints. The prints and colors are always excellent. I have my eye on this gorgeous pink top, this top and matching skirt, and this toiletry bag set — the print is too good.

• Dôen just opened on Madison Avenue (78th Street). I have this little jazzy bag and shoes and love them both, now eyeing another fun bag. Speaking of Madison Avenue shopping, I was just in Tuckernuck (84th Street) and they have fantastic spring pieces like this pink cardigan, tie skirt, colorful dress (hello Easter outfit), with a fresh white silky cardigan.

• My kids love Hello, Broadway!. It’s a beautiful interactive book that plays actual song clips from top Broadway shows while introducing kids to the world of musical theater. My son cannot put it down. A perfect gift for any NYC kid, or a great NYC-specific pick for out-of-towners.

…and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.

There are some fantastic events happening this spring that I highly recommend getting tickets to each of the below:

• Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18, at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify. There will be lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto, a separate lounge with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.

  • Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People's Concert on its own — a great standalone option for families.

• AMNH Spring Lunch: On Wednesday, April 22, the museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics. I've always loved attending this one; the speakers never disappoint and the conversation tends to linger with you. (Adults only.)

• Hassenfeld Children's Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2, at Industry City, Brooklyn: The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. It will be a wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children's Hospital.

• Playground Partners Annual Family Party: On Wednesday, May 20, in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park's 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Truly the best event, and tickets always sell out, don’t wait to purchase these tickets!

• Rug Concerts® at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, March 14 at 9:30am and 11 a.m. This month's theme is Celtic Spirit — a 45-minute interactive concert where kids six and under can listen, sing, and move along with live professional musicians. A family favorite and highly recommend if you haven't been before. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance.

• MoMA Family Gallery Talks Focus on Women Artists: Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15: A wonderful free program for families with kids ages 4–10, featuring guided discussions and activities in front of artworks this month centered on women artists. Free for kids and adults and includes museum admission. Two time slots available each day: 10:15–11:15 a.m. & 12:00–1:00 p.m.

• Pier 57 Playground: Pier 57 has been keeping summer alive indoors this winter with swings, live rainforest sounds, and indoor picnicking — and it's wrapping up soon (March 31). A fun, low-key outing for the kids. And while you're there, check out Market 57 for lunch. I think they have excellent food options.

Easter is one of my favorite holidays — and even more magical once kids are in the picture. I go all in on basket-building and love finding ways to make the morning feel really special. Here's everything I'm considering this year:

• To decorate eggs: I love the ritual of it as much as the result. I always stock up on a variety of colors. I’ve never tried this decorating kit, and think my kids would love it. I got served this video on IG and am intrigued to try marbling this year.

• For the easter egg hunting: Pottery Barn Kids makes the best personalized baskets (love this one and this one too). Etsy has some cute personalized baskets too. And how fun would it be to find a large golden egg?!

• Easter-related books we love: Marshmallow, How to Catch the Easter Bunny, Charlotte’s Web, Happy Easter, Mouse!, The Good Egg, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, I Am a Bunny, and It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny

• For easter basket stuffing ideas, start with some chic grass, then add:

  • A fresh set of cozy PJs

  • An adorable stuffie like a lamb, duckling, pink bunny, and cannot get over this cute bag!

  • An activity like this hidden picture book, Easter puzzles or Paint by Sticker

  • A Tamagotchi (my kids received one year and loved it!)

  • This game: My kids LOVE it and we still play it all the time

  • Other favorite things include: a slinky, gardening tools, Play-Doh eggs, bath crayons, sidewalk chalk, colored bath drops (love these!), Lip Smacker Carrot Lip Balm, and StickiKubes

  • And here are some other cute basket filler ideas

• For tablescaping: I love this ruffled chair slipcover, I’ll be dreaming of these Lily of the Valley placemats with this tablecloth. For the kids, I love this festive garland, floral napkins, and these Surprise Carrots are adorable (or Surprise Eggs!)

• Here’s my perfect Easter hosting menu: Deviled eggs to start, this gorgeous roast (super easy, just takes a long time) with a simple salad, and a delicious asparagus tart that is easy and impressive. And for dessert, Ina’s famous Carrot Cake.

• If you’re looking to bring an incredibly indulgent but chic hostess gift, I cannot get over these chocolates from Birley Bakery (69th and Madison). I’m swooning over the chocolate egg box and the Mother Hen & Family set.

……and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide from last week, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.

After weeks of freezing temperatures, relentless snowstorms, and sidewalks coated in stubborn gray slush, an escape feels essential. Even if traveling with kids often feels more like a relocation than a vacation, sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what we need. Hopefully, the tips below will make getting there a little smoother.

• I cannot rave about these suitcases enough. They’re lightweight, sturdy, and roll beautifully. We have the largest size, and it’s been perfect for our family’s checked bags.

  • Just a friendly reminder to put AirTags in your checked luggage!

• I have these packing cubes for everyone in our family and cannot recommend them enough. They keep us incredibly organized, and I love using them throughout the trip to separate dirty laundry.

• There are so many cute dopp kits for kids on Etsy. I love this one and this one.

• These plastic pouches are a lifesaver. We use them for sunscreen, goggles, wet bathing suits, dirty clothes, toy organization, art supplies—I could go on and on.

While iPads can be a lifesaver on planes, these are the screen-free activities I’ll be packing in our carry-on to (hopefully) keep everyone entertained throughout the trip:

• For my seven-year-old son:

  • A Yoto mini. I’ve mentioned it before, but I truly cannot rave about it enough for curious minds and book lovers. It’s been game-changing for us, and the book options are endless. Don’t forget the headphones.

  • A tiny LEGO set with endless creative options. And this tangram puzzle set is also great for travel since it’s magnetic.

  • Highlights: They’ve lasted the test of time and my kids love receiving them in the mail. They also make excellent little travel books like this Hidden Picture one, or Puzzle Fun.

  • Here are some book series my son loves that we’ll be packing along: Magic Tree House, Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and The 13-Story Treehouse

• For my five-year-old daughter:

  • My daughter is loving this coloring book that doubles as a sticker book (her two favorite things)! I also love these Paint by Sticker books (and this one), that can grab her attention for awhile. But her all-time favorite is this one.

  • As a big crafter, she loves all these that I’ll be bringing along: a perfect coloring kit, a foil art kit, or gem art

  • For books, we’ll be packing Ladybug Girl books and Angelina Ballerina. She’s also going through a big Where’s Waldo? phase, which I’m equally loving. She also loves Highlights and would love these travel puzzle books

• For my three-year-old son:

  • Is Water Wow the best invention of all time for toddlers? I think so. My son also loves these little watercolor sets.

  • He’s a big Magna-Tiles guy, so I got him the travel set, and I think a Clixo travel set is just as great.

  • This coloring tablet can hold his attention for a while. He’s going through a big Peppa Pig-phase, so I’m bringing this this sticker book.

  • Finally, I’m never without some Washi tape to decorate the airplane seats

We’re off to the Bahamas for spring break and can’t wait for some beach time and much needed sunshine. Here are some of my must-haves:

• I cannot rave enough about this sunscreen and have been using it daily for years. It gives the perfect dewy glow. I recently purchased this skin tint sunscreen and love to layer it on top as well. Both are in my daily rotation.

• For body sunscreen, I love this one. It blends perfectly, isn’t white, isn’t greasy or heavy and just feels like a light lotion, which I love. For my kids, I love Sun Bum (it’s the smell of summer to me).

• Keeping with the sun protection theme, this is my favorite beach hat. It’s chic and great for travel too — it rolls up in a suitcase and holds its shape well.

• I think SunnyLife makes the cutest swim accessories for babies and toddlers - I could order everything from this brand, there are so many cute swim vests, swim masks/goggles, dive toys, and a towel poncho I love.

• Swimwear is my favorite article of clothing to purchase for my kids. I think Minnow does swim for kids better than anyone out there. For my daughter, I always go with a floral long-sleeved suit (less sunscreen), and love these shorts for my boys. Also, these boys’ swim shorts from H&M are excellent for the price, and I think they fit really well. For rash guards, Primary does a great job. Also, another hooded towel cover up for toddler girls that’s adorable.

• To keep with this very random recommendation list, how sweet is this floral cotton underpants set for girls!? I love the little bag to keep everything organized. And love these Jellies for my daughter, nostalgia at its finest.

• My husband and I love to play backgammon on vacation, and I have my eye on this genius towel set. Or, this roll-up set looks great, too. If you’re a mahjong player, I love this little travel mahjong set.

• Here are a few novels you’ve probably seen everywhere—but for good reason—if you’re looking for your next beach read: Heart the Lover, Hamnet, The Correspondent, Atmosphere (this is a great audio listen) and Broken Country. Each of these hooked me for different reasons, but every one was a true page-turner. Or, if you’re going through a big CBK moment like everyone else after Love Story, I highly recommend Once Upon a Time. I have Strangers packed, which I cannot wait to read.

• We don’t mess around when it comes to traveling with ski gear. Hauling ski equipment on top of kids’ stuff is a hard no. We always use ShipSkis—it’s been a total game-changer for our family and I highly recommend it if you’re heading on a ski trip. (AirTag in each bag reminder, again!)

• I have all our favorite kids’ gear listed out in my Ski Guide and highly recommend these products.

• While I don’t ski, I do love to look the part. My favorites this winter include:

  • On hiking boots: I’ve worn these nonstop all winter—they’ve officially become my go-to. While not technically snow boots, they’re waterproof, incredibly comfortable, and surprisingly hardy. I can’t recommend them enough.

  • J.Crew Cashmere socks are the coziest for lounging, and SmartWool is my go-to for sports.

  • These are my favorite PJs and love to use them as a base layer, too. They’re perfectly thin and a great layering piece

  • I love the color of these ski pants and matching jacket, but this gingham set takes the cake. I think Mackage makes some of the best winter gear, and love this ski suit.

  • These boots are very high on my list and can’t stop admiring them and love these gloves

• My husband, an avid skier who is very particular about gear, recommends: a great ski bag (including one for the kids), he loves having a cheap pair of goodr sunglasses he can throw in his pocket, and he swears by these ski goggles.

• Sleep is everything to me. I’ve been loving these gummies for nights when jet lag feels inevitable—they really work for me, and I appreciate that I don’t wake up feeling groggy. I also love this silky sleep mask. It’s the most comfortable one I’ve tried and feels incredibly luxurious.

• I reached a point where I felt like I was spending so much on digital books between Kindle and Audible—then I discovered the Libby app, and it’s been completely game-changing. You can borrow free audiobooks and ebooks (and even send them straight to your Kindle). You’ll need a library card, and I won’t pretend the app is the most user-friendly, but it’s easily one of my most-used apps.

• As much as I love my AirPods, I started getting a little paranoid about radiation so I went back to the wired ones, and am loving them. (bonus: they’re not as hard to lose!)

• Don’t even get my husband started on the water bottle situation for kids. For travel, I love these little water bottles. They don’t hold much, but they’re as light and small as possible (and don’t leak!)

• Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival: Running through Saturday, March 21 at venues across the city (BAM, the Guggenheim, The Joyce Theater, Park Avenue Armory and more). This stunning contemporary dance festival features world-class choreographers. Free workshops are also open to all levels. A really special one for dance lovers!

• First Fridays Are Back at The Frick: Plan ahead, Starting Friday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m., the Frick is opening its doors on Friday evenings for late-night gallery hours, live music, and cocktails. A beautiful, grown-up night out (reminder: no kids under 10!). While you're there, don't miss the new exhitbit Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture. It looks stunning. On view through Monday, May 25.

• Set your alarm for 10:30am this morning. AMNH’s A Night at the Museum Sleepovers are back—and they’re a HUGE hit! The Overnight Experience lets kids (ages 6–12) and their caregivers explore the museum after hours and sleep among the exhibits. If you’re a member of AMNH, presale tickets are released at Tuesday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. (today!) for sleepovers in April, May and June. They sell out in minutes! For non-members, general ticket sales are next Tuesday, March 3 at 10:30 a.m.

• Kids' Night on Broadway: Tonight is the night! Kids 18 and under can attend a participating Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. With 18 shows to choose from, including Wicked, The Lion King, Aladdin, Hamilton, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, MJ, and more. Use code WNTRKIDS26 at checkout. For younger kids, The Lion King and Aladdin are great bets; tweens and teens tend to love Hamilton, SIX, MJ, and & Juliet.

• 28th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival: On Sunday, March 1, Chinatown comes alive for the big parade, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. Arrive early to catch the Festival & Booths on Bayard Street (between Mulberry and Mott St), running from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. A wonderful way to keep the Lunar New Year celebrations going!

• Lunar New Year Extravaganza at Chelsea Market: On Sunday, March 1, from 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Pearl River Mart hosts its ninth annual Lunar New Year celebration. Kick things off with ribbon dancing and lion dancing performances on the main concourse, then head downstairs for food, mahjong lessons, Chinese calligraphy, red envelope activities, and more. Free to attend

• UNIQLO Family Day at MoMA PS1: Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., MoMA PS1 in Queens hosts a free, museum-wide family celebration. Kids of all ages can drop in for hands-on artmaking workshops led by artists — including neighborhood mapping, communal braiding, shadow and light collages, clay sculpting, and building kinetic mobiles.

• Little Women: The Musical at 92NY: Only a few days left to catch this charming musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Runs through February 28 — best for ages 6 and up! (My kids love the performances at 92Y!)

• New York International Children’s Film Festival: Running Saturday, February 28 through Sunday, March 15 at venues across the city. Showcasing about 100 international films for kids ages 3–18, with filmmaker Q&As and audience voting. This year’s opening night features a preview of the new Disney Pixar film Hoppers.

• MoMath (National Museum of Mathematics): The much-anticipated new location at 635 Sixth Avenue in Chelsea is now open! Nearly double the size of the original, with dozens of new interactive exhibits that make math playful and exciting — plus a dedicated space for early learners. Open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds.

• Reminder: The Davis Center is open through March 8— so there’s just a couple of weeks left to get your skates on! (we prefer skating here over Wollman)

• Is winter over yet? I'm dreaming of spring (stay tuned for an upcoming Spring Break guide next week!). In the meantime, if you're still looking for ways to entertain the kids indoors, here's my indoor activity guide from a few weeks ago.

• Here have been the most popular products from my newsletter so far this year:

  • The best stain remover I cannot rave enough about

  • My forever favorite lip gloss that works miracles in the winter

  • Tales conversation cards (I love these at dinner time)

  • A Kujten bandana scarf (chic and cozy, I could buy them all)

  • eeBo making change game (I love the eeBo brand and think they make such thoughtful products for kids)

  • …..and top books so far this year: The Hug, Don’t Trust Fish, The Way of the Warrior Kid, Earl and Worm (my 3 year old’s favorite) and The Most Magnificent Thing

• My kids are obsessed with their Moonjars. It feels like the most natural, hands-on way to introduce kids to money management — each little tin is divided into Save, Spend, and Share, which makes the concept so tangible and easy for them to understand. Highly recommend!

• This coconut chicken curry recipe has been my go-to all winter long and I simply can't get enough of it. It's incredibly easy to make, tastes like the best restaurant takeout, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!

• I've been a longtime mahjong fan, and with the game more popular than ever, the merchandise has never been better. This is the set of tiles I have and absolutely love it. I have my eye on these gorgeous tortoise racks and love this pretty mat — and how perfect is this travel set for upcoming spring break trips? Also, don't forget to order your 2026 NMJL card, which should be shipping out next month! If you’ve never played before, I highly recommend learning, it’s always my favorite girls night. (You’ll need an instructor to learn, but love this online site for practice games!)

• 新年快乐 // Happy Lunar New Year! There are some fantastic things going on this week to celebrate the holiday:

  • At the Peninsula Hotel: There’s a traditional Lion Dance in the hotel lobby on February 17 at 9:30 a.m.

  • On Saturday, February 21, Hudson Yards will host performers from The New York Chinese Cultural Center, with performances at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

  • China Institute (100 Washington Street) will host a Lunar New Year Family Festival on Saturday, February 21, from 2–5 p.m. There will be a lion dance, traditional music, hands-on workshops, crafts, and other interactive cultural stations.

  • Moon Over Manhattan – Lunar New Year Family Day: On Saturday, February 21, from 1–4 p.m. at Asia Society (725 Park Ave), families can celebrate the Year of the Horse with lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, interactive music and sing-alongs, shadow puppets, hands-on crafts, and festive activities. It looks like it’s sold out online, but it’s worth checking to see if there’s a waitlist.

  • Or dine out at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants: Cafe Evergreen (favorite on the UES), Super Taste (best delivery), Din Tai Fung (my family’s #1), CheLi (great vibe and a fun St. Marks Place throwback), Phoenix Palace (great for big groups, also a vibe)

• NYC Ballet Family Saturdays: Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m. A one-hour, kid-friendly program at Lincoln Center featuring excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, performed by NYCB dancers and orchestra. Hosted by Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild, it offers a playful introduction to ballet’s story, music, and movement for families. Tickets are required for all ages.

• There are some great things at The Morgan Library that I’m looking forward to checking out. There is family programs like Family First Saturdays, an hour-long storytime, gallery tours, and art activities for ages ~3–7. Free with museum admission; kids 12 and under are always free. They also just announced upcoming Spring concerts that look great. Plus, a family concert (music of Mozart) on April 18th.

No school this week? There’s no shortage of great daytime events to keep kids entertained—definitely worth adding a few to your calendar.

• MoMA Family Festival – Color Play: This winter arts celebration turns MoMA into a creative playground. Explore artist-created environments, hands-on art labs like Art Lab: Sound, cardboard city building, chalkboard play, puppet interactions, family film screenings, dance parties, gallery activities, and more. Most activities are drop-in, and timed tickets are required. Today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 18) are the last days to check it out.

• It’s Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum: Running through February 21, families can dive into themed days of hands-on STEAM fun—from aerospace and space exploration displays with NASA demos and VR experiences to arts and culture activities with author meet-and-greets, live performances, maker workshops, robotics, science experiments, and more. Interactive fun for all ages.

• It’s also Kids Week at Bryant Park: Running Tuesday, February 17, through Friday, February 20, kids take over the rink with free morning skate sessions, complimentary group lessons, and themed activities from 9:30 a.m.–noon. Each day features unique fun like Winter Games, Medieval Faire crafts, Earth Day learning, and Pizza Palooza events—all free and family-friendly.

• School Break Family Afternoon – Build a Bridge Fun at The Met: On Tuesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 19, at 1 p.m., children ages 3–11 can drop in for free, hands-on bridge-building activities inspired by The Brooklyn Bridge Up Close. Materials are provided, creativity is encouraged, and space is first-come, first-served. No museum admission is required for this family program.

• Cooper Hewitt Family Programs – Midwinter Break: Running Tuesday, February 17, through Thursday, February 19, from 1–4 p.m. Kids ages 5–12 can drop in for hands-on design fun: Sonic Adventures (February 17), Toy Makers & Tinkerers (February 18), and Mansion Explorers (February 19). Free with museum admission; first-come, first-served.

• Or check out my NYC Indoor Activity Guide for plenty of go-to ideas on where to go and what to do around the city.

• I’ve been a fan of Scott Galloway for a while, and his recent conversation on the goop podcast was incredibly eye-opening. He shared the challenges facing boys and young men today—from emotional development to shifting expectations of masculinity and mounting societal pressures. Some of the statistics were genuinely startling. The episode has already changed how I think about parenting my two sons, and I immediately downloaded Galloway’s new book, knowing it will continue to shape my thinking.

• My son is loving reading this book together, and I can already see how much he’s getting out of it. He’s fully engaged, and it’s sparked such thoughtful conversations about confidence, responsibility, discipline, and what it means to keep going when things feel hard. It’s come at a really meaningful time for my first grader, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

• CrunchLabs subscription kits are a huge hit in our house. (My son asked me to share them in this newsletter.) Each monthly box lets kids build a hands-on engineering project, guided by Mark Rober, turning problem-solving and STEM into something that feels like play. My son is completely hooked. The kits also pair with Rober’s YouTube videos, which he loves. We’re pretty limited with screen time, but I feel okay about him watching on occasion.

• With all this time off school, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kids thinking (and having fun). These are a few of our go-to favorites we try to pull out on car rides or at restaurants: Sight Words Flash Cards, Phonics Flash Cards, a math keyboard, and workbooks.

• Everyone’s talking about LoveStory on Hulu, and I’m right there with them. I love CBK and can’t wait to watch. And if you haven’t read Once Upon a Time yet, I highly recommend adding it to your book list.

• Here are my favorite kids books at the moment: How Dreadful!, Triangle, and Ladybug Girl series. My toddler son absolutely loves The Story Orchestra books series. The Magic Flute is his favorite, but this one, this one and this one are all great too.

• Dry winter skin is real, here are some beauty products that are saving me this winter: I love this shower mitt for a great exfoliation, this is my favorite face mask (warning: it smells horrific, but it works!), this brightening Vitamin-C serum is excellent, and cannot rave enough about this cleansing oil, which I’ve repurchased again and again

Eliza Crater Harris is the Chief Creative Officer of the iconic brand Sister Parish Design. I’m a longtime fan—we have Sister Parish wallpaper in my son’s room and our powder room, and I’m eyeing this for our guest room and this performance fabric for our outdoor cushions (they’re all so good). Eliza is a great-granddaughter of legendary decorator Sister Parish, and brings fresh, modern taste to the brand’s timeless textiles and wallpapers, blending classic style with effortless chic. She’s currently redecorating her new West Village studio and sharing smart, inspiring tips along the way. Below, Eliza shares her NYC favorites with us:

• “John Derian Company: John’s store in New York is my favorite home destination because it reminds me so much of my grandmother. My grandmother is an amazing decoupage artist herself and worked with John years ago. John curates the most delightful quilts, sheets, glasses, napkins, and of course, beautiful decoupage pieces. I also love his selection of upholstery and antiques. You’ll always find whimsical items that surprise and inspire.

• deVOL Kitchens: deVOL recently opened a stunning showroom and I am completely obsessed. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or simply need some design inspiration, this space is full of beautiful paint colors and thoughtful ideas for how to live well in your kitchen.

• KRB NYC: KRB is an absolute must-visit for design lovers. My dear friends (incredible artists themselves) sell their art and furniture there, Mary Nelson Sinclair and Corbin Cruise. I’m also obsessed with the new Woodard Wave × Billy Baldwin furniture collaboration that is new to KRB.

• Pearl River Mart: A fun and easy stop for parties, gifts, and unexpected treasures. I share more of my top finds here on Instagram. This is always worth a visit if you’re looking for quirky home pieces or entertaining essentials that won’t break the bank! Also, if you’re having a party and need flowers, Dutch Flower Line is a must along with Jamali for easy containers and baskets.

• American Folk Art Museum: I had to make this stop and left feeling so inspired. The museum’s collection celebrates American folk and self-taught artists, and it’s a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. Thank you to Bode for the recommendation, and I also love popping into their store and checking out nearby Suzi Kondi when I’m on the Lower East Side.”

Love your tips, thank you for sharing, Eliza!

It still feels like the Arctic in NYC, with no real warm-up in sight. (ugh!) Since playgrounds and outdoor play are off the table, I’ve pulled together a list of our favorite indoor winter activities. Here are the top places that keep our kids engaged, moving, and happy. You may enjoy them too during the final 39 days of winter. (yes… I’m counting, anyone else?).

• My kids received this building set over the holidays from their grandmother, and while it does come with a bit of a price tag, I truly can’t recommend it enough (especially for long winter weekends!). The joy—and sheer amount of use—we’ve gotten out of it has been completely worth it. My seven-year-old loves it as much as my three-year-old.

• Similarly, we also have these Nugget couch sets which my kids have loved over the years for building forts, it’s one of our most-loved toys from over the years and makes for very cozy weekends.

• We’re big into family game nights. Here are our favorites at the moment: Making Change, Sum the Swamp (both secretly educational), Outfoxed, Uno, Sequence, Guess Who?, and for the much younger kids, my three-year-old is especially obsessed with Rack-O Jr.

• Here are a few holiday gifts my kids received that have been on heavy rotation and have made these long, indoor winter weekends so much more enjoyable: This cookbook for young chefs (my kids eat better foods when they prepare it, so it’s a win-win)! We’re getting such good use out of this mega science kit and this marble run, which has brought in endless amounts of fun and equally loved by my seven-year-old as it is by my three-year-old. I truly believe you can never have too many Magna-Tiles, too!

• I’ve raved about it before, but these Yoto Mini players are seriously game-changing for our weekends. Highly recommend these if you’re trying to avoid screen-time. The card possibilities are endless.

• The Met’s 81st Street Studio: A free, hands-on discovery space for kids (great for preschoolers!). Families can explore art, materials, sound, and science through interactive stations, instruments, books, and creative play—no Museum admission required.

  • If you want to explore the museum with kids, you can’t go wrong at the Egyptian Art & Temple of Dendur, (great audio tour for kids here!) Arms & Armor, or Musical Instruments exhibits-those are our top visits.

• Art Lab: Sound (MoMA): Explore sound through art in this interactive family installation. Discover how materials make noise, build sound sculptures, create wearable art, and engage with color and sound on digital displays. Open daily and free with Museum admission, it’s a playful sensory experience for all ages. NYC residents also get free admission on Friday evenings.

• Museum of Natural History: Vast permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, space, Earth science, and biodiversity. The new Gilder Center adds immersive science experiences: a large insectarium, butterfly vivarium, interactive collections, and a 360° “Invisible Worlds” show that brings hidden life into view. Insider tip: arrive at opening to beat weekend crowds and don’t forget to check out the Discovery Room.

• Whitney Museum of American Art: I’d recommend going on Saturdays (11 am–3 pm) when they host Open Studio time for kids to create art inspired by exhibitions, or on Free Second Sundays, which also has plenty of art making and tours for families. Also, check out the free activity guides for gallery exploration.

The rest of this guide covers the best playspaces in the city, where to send sporty kids to burn off energy, top spots for the STEAM-and-science-loving kid, the best places for the artsy ones, and so, so much more…

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