I realize, despite my desire to wield omnipresent control over their life circumstances, my parental desire to control my kids’ fates is as ludicrous as thinking a shot of Botox is the key to an eternal fountain of youth. Of course, I’d prefer to hand-pick and test-drive the opportunities that lay before my kids, so as not to let them feel even one shred of unhappiness. But I also realize I must encourage them to seize each day and thought, ultimately giving them their wings and letting them go. So, while I still have them close to me, I’m determined to provide them with every opportunity to indulge their sense of fantasy and adventure.
So if you are a parent like me, eager to let your kids basks in fantasy and adventure, keep reading for some great ways to get their adventurous side pumping with some help from Netflix and a few NYC spaces where your kids can pursue their adventures!
Ever wonder what happened to the storybook characters we grew up with like the Mad Hatter, Snow White, and the Evil Queen? Turns out they are parents now too, and their children are studying at the enchanted high school of Ever After High, a boarding school for teens destined to follow in their famous parents’ fairytale footsteps. The all new original special Ever After High: Spring Unsprung, celebrates the idea that the story of your life is not written in permanent ink. You have the power to create your own destiny.
In two other Netflix original series premiering this month, there are kids also creating their own destinies.
Teenage mermaids stand out from the crowd in Season 2 of Mako Mermaids (and stay tuned for a special review from my very own teenager) and Richie Rich (2/20), the same entrepreneur we grew up with, is back but this time his refusal to eat his veggies has made him a trillionaire.
Encourage your little kids to Build and fix things with Handy Manny
Walk on the moon: Justin Time: Blast off!: S1E13
Explore the ocean: Octonauts
Make a discovery: Sid the Science Kid
Encourage your big kids to Make sweet treats: Cupcake Wars
Encourage your big kids to Get into show biz: Fame High
Represent Team USA: The Gabby Douglas Story
Master the kitchen: Chopped
Encourage your teens to Get the corner office: Undercover Boss
Travel the world: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Run my own restaurant: Wahlburgers
And once you are feeling incredibly passionate and inspired encourage your kids to channel those feelings into a Vision board! Cut inspirational words out of magazines, print photos of favorite characters or add your own knick-knacks and trinkets.
Learn how to make your own here!
And continue to Encourage your Kids to immerse themselves in Fantasy and Adventure at these two New York City spaces!
CHELSEA PLAYGROUND
This indoor Staten Island playground is 10,000-square feet of imaginative play. In addition to a large climbing tube, tunnel and slide area, rock climbing wall
and toddler zone, it has a children’s village comprised of eight themed rooms including: a post office, costume shop, pet care facility, diner, grocery store, schoolhouse, firehouse and movie theater.
Address 400 Chelsea Rd., Travis.
What kids will go gaga for: Using their imaginations in the children’s village by dressing up in costumes, from fuzzy animals to dancing costumes to princesses to superheroes. Shopping in the pretend grocery store, caring for pets in their pet shop or being a firefighter in their firehouse.
Parent perks: They’ve got a full concession area with pizza, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fries, chips and cookies. And if your kid needs to burn off energy, they can peruse their climbing tube, tunnel and slide area or rock climbing wall.
Overall: At this brightly colored facility, kids can be anyone they wish; the fantastic possibilities are endless.
Information: Visit chelseaplaygroundny.com or call 718-761-PLAY (7529).
ALICE’S TEA CUP
Alice’s offers a whimsical experience where kids enter a magical room, are offered fairy dust to transform into little ladies, fairy wings while dining and a tea experience where they can drink from tea cups, grab food off of their very own three-tiered stand and cupcakes for dessert. Address
Locations at 220 East 81st St., 156 East 64th St. and 102 West 73rd St., Manhattan. Time Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Age appeal All.
What kids will go gaga for: The bright colors, fairy pictures, wings, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” memorabilia, wearing fairy wings and getting fairy dusted before dining,
yummy desserts and kid-friendly teas to choose from.
Parent perks: Seeing their little girl’s transformation into little ladies for the experience and an opportunity to expose their children to the art and experience of afternoon tea at any time of day in a whimsical place that will encourage great conversation.
Overall: Girls will flourish in this fantasy environment with its sparkle, wings and colorful treats made fresh daily.
Information Call 212-734-4832 or visit alicesteacup.com.
So NYC parents got any places to add?
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