Dad-Buddy Systems: Think Local
Meetups & social support groups are for dads too. I love that the Astoria New & Expectant Moms Meet-up is now officially changing their name to the Astoria New & Expectants Parents Meetup. (And it’s true we have many of their dads in MoonSoup classes in Astoria!)
And there are dad only groups; I met a great group this year when they came together to visit at MoonSoup for a dads-only Messy Art Class, and they where a fun group! Got right into the Messy Art and those dads all disco danced with the kids and us. Try NYC Dads Meetup or just do a quick search for dads or new dads meetups to find other dads near you.
Make room for Daddy & Me
Parent-child classes for babies and tots are not all the daunting women-only experiences they used to be. I have been seeing more and more dads popping in and joining the “Mommy & Me” class mix. And lately, we are seeing more dads as regulars.
It’s nice to see. At MoonSoup we actually have a good amount of dads, especially in our Messy Art class. One Astoria dad recently talked about just being so happy we offered a Sunday class so he could have a dedicated class time of his own to take his toddler to. More and more, dads are just not as willing to miss out on special times and a strong bond with their kids.
Special Dates: Daddy & Me Outings
Roosevelt Island Tram: This is simple but super fun activity for tots, all for the price if a couple of metro card swipes. Young kids just love seeing how the tram works, the five minute ride takes you up high in the sky, and the trolley’s clear glass allows for exciting views of the city. Then it’s a short walk to a local playground if you want to play before ride back to midtown. The station is at 2nd Ave and 60th Street.
Central Park Children’s Zoo: In the park near 64th Street and 5th Avenue. Entrance to the Children’s Zoo is included in the Central Park Zoo admission. Close by is the Carousel. Rides are about $2.00 for 3 minutes. Check the parks website for dates and hours of operation.
Staten Island Yankees: This minor league team’s small stadium is super family friendly, comfortable for kids run around a bit, without the giant crowds. You can easily stroller younger kids from the ferry station (pack an umbrella stroller and plan to carry your child to the stadium seats). The Staten Island ferry ride is a kid-size adventure in itself, and the stadium offers amazing views of boats in the harbor. Get tickets to the Wendy’s Friends & Family Night: 4 tickets for $32.00, and that includes 4 hats and 4 Wendy’s Food Vouchers.
Imagination Playground: Parents say this special play park is worth the trip with climbing ropes and other unique features. Just wait for a warm day so you can relax and enjoy playgrounds’ water play feature. Plan to go visit the near by South Street Seaport and have lunch while you are there.
The American Museum Of Natural History: At 79th and Central Park West and worth the trip. Maybe wait until your child is pre-school age or older, but be sure to go visit. It is a NYC perennial that has continued to awe kids and parents for decades. Dads can make this an annual, monthly or regular outing that you can take with your child for years to come.
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Article By Susan Izatt, an infant and early childhood development specialist.
Susan Izatt is an infant and early childhood development specialist, and has been the Director for several Early Childhood Programs in New York City. She is also the Co-founder and Director of MoonSoup Early Childhood Center and Preschool Alternative in NYC. She is currently working on a book New Moms & First Time Dads: Babies, Kids & New Parents. www.moonsoup.net, moonsoup@earthlink.net