What's Still On The Calendar For Holiday Season 2020!

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What's Still On The Calendar For Holiday Season 2020!

Well yes, almost a full year into a global pandemic, this holiday season is going to be very different. This year, there will be less socializing, less pictures with Santa, less in person activities, and probably, more presents for your loved ones to make up for all the rest.

COVID is on the rise and this is not the time to gather in big groups indulging in holiday merriment. But the holiday spirit CAN still exist in a global pandemic. I’ve rounded up a bunch of ways that, with masks on and at least six feet of distance kept, you and your cohort can nevertheless celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

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Halloween (In the Time of COVID-19)

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Halloween (In the Time of COVID-19)

Halloween is a great holiday and while 2020 does stand to get in the way of some of its greatness, all is not lost. Read on for TEN of the BEST socially distanced spooky events happening in October. After all, what’s more scary than trick or treating during a global pandemic?!?!

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Five Fall Activities That Are Not Cancelled for 2020

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Five Fall Activities That Are Not Cancelled for 2020

2020. Nothing is business as usual. Up is now down and down is now up. And there sure is a lot of anxiety right now as we face the return to school and to colder, harsher weather.

Fall is normally my absolute favorite season and it’s definitely a bummer that several of the usual autumn activities are canceled this year. But there is still some fall fun to be had - just this year, in a mask and 6 feet away from the next family.

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5 Ways To Bring Experiences Into Your House

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5 Ways To Bring Experiences Into Your House

I don’t need to tell you that we’re in the midst of a global crisis where everyone is struggling, mentally, physically, financially or some combination thereof. And I probably also don’t need to tell you that as a person who runs an activities blog for “folks who like to get out and do stuff,” sticking around the house day after day has been quite challenging.

So for whatever it’s worth, I spent part of this past rainy Sunday writing about 5 Ways To Bring Experiences Into Your House. These 5 activity options have helped my family tremendously so far, and I hope they’ll help yours. PS -This post focuses exclusively on small, local businesses and artists, each of which need our support right now - more than ever.

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Liberty (Science Center) and Justice For All!

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Liberty (Science Center) and Justice For All!

Just on the other side of the Holland Tunnel lies a children’s museum that every kid in the tri-state needs to visit - whether by car, PATH train or Uber. That museum is Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center.

According to its website, Liberty Science Center aims “to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and excite learners of all ages about the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology.” Focus on that last “technology” bit because Liberty Science really does offer impressively high tech, modern and interactive exhibits.

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Visit the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling

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Visit the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling

After being underwhelmed by another pop-up this past weekend (I REALLY need to stick with my no-pop-ups-with-fees pledge), our day was wholly improved by a long overdue first visit to the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling in Upper Manhattan.

The museum is STUNNING and the activities on offer are amazing. I highly, 100% recommend a visit and then I recommend visiting again and again.

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Nickelodeon Universe Is Here!

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Nickelodeon Universe Is Here!

I love a lot about living in the Tri-State Area, but it’s pretty undeniable our weather sucks. So much of the year is gloomy and cold, and then much of the warm weather season is too humid to be comfortable. So when I say that American Dream is a game changer for this area, I mean that, it’s an entirely indoor play land of fun for all ages; and it’ll be fun whether it’s humid or frigid outside. It’s a game changer.

The first of many activities to open at American Dream is Nickelodeon Universe - an indoor theme park similar to the one that exists at the Mall of America.

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How To Do Christmastime in NYC Like a Pro (2019 Edition)

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How To Do Christmastime in NYC Like a Pro (2019 Edition)

Christmastime in New York City!! It really IS “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” I absolutely love the holiday season and NYC really does the season well. Read on for my favorite ways to get festive in the city this winter!

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I Love Halloween!

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I Love Halloween!

Halloween might be my favorite holiday. No, I'm not one of those old folks who still loves to get dressed up - but I think it is so much fun seeing my kiddies get excited to pick out costumes, and run around like crazy persons in pursuit of free candy. As they get a bit older, it'll be cool to add some haunted houses to our Halloween rotation. Basically, I gotta take it all in before they learn that Halloween also means sexy costumes and keg stands. 

On that note - here are some great Halloween celebrations happening in our area!

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Governors Island Is So Easy And So Worth It

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Governors Island Is So Easy And So Worth It

Whether you are a city-dweller looking for a serene, tree-lined break from the rat race, or a suburbanite looking for more art and culture, Governors Island fits the bill. The 172 acre oasis is mere minutes by ferry from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. And visiting it is a wonderful way to spend a day outside.

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Coney Island + Spumoni Gardens = The Perfect “Real” Brooklyn Day

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Coney Island + Spumoni Gardens = The Perfect “Real” Brooklyn Day

There are parts of Brooklyn that have blown up in the few decades - parts that are all quite close to Manhattan. But deep into the borough of Brooklyn lies what some call the “true Brooklyn.” And perhaps no part of that “real Brooklyn” is more iconic and special than the Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk. Make the trek at least once or twice in your life and while you’re there, hit the nearby and also iconic L&B Spumoni Gardens.

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Get Away to Rockaway

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Get Away to Rockaway

There are beaches all over the New York area. But trust this Long Island girl when she tells you that the Atlantic Ocean beaches are so much better than the Long Island Sound beaches - the sand is smoother and softer and the waves are real. And there’s less of that smelly seaweed vibe.

I grew up in Wantagh, NY, home of the famous Jones Beach and less than a half hour from other great Atlantic Ocean beaches like Long Beach. The beaches on the South Shore of Long Island are dope - it’s why the Hamptons became what they are.

For years I’d been hearing about another well loved Atlantic Ocean beach in Queens - Rockaway Beach. We finally made it there Memorial Day weekend and I cannot wait to go back. Rockaway Beach is SO worth the trip. You’ll feel like you escaped on vacation.

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