Rockland NY Mom
  • About this Site
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Savings for RNYM.com Readers!
  • Currently loving….
    • Feeding Baby
    • BabyCare 101
  • Directories
    • Pregnancy and Babies
    • Camps Directory 2023
    • Childcare/Pre-School Directory
    • Classes Directory
    • For the Home
    • Direct Sales Directory
    • Party Directory
    • Party Entertainment Directory
    • Photographers Directory
    • Family Services Directory
    • Crafters Directory
    • Specialty Items Directory
    • Play Ball
  • A Good Cause
  • I’m Going on a Trip…
    • Theater
  • We’re having a party….
  • RNYM’s Favorite Recipes
  • Become Part of RocklandNYMom
  • RNYM in the News!
  • Christmas 2019

Category Archives: Things to Do!

Kicking off Spring Break with a Time Mission Review!

Posted on April 2, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Birthdays, Day Trips, Party, Reviews, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

My kids are now 9 adn 12.  We do a lot of different activities than we used to.  Our adventures are growing with us.  That’s one reason we were excited when Time Mission in the Palisades Mall reached out.  Admittedly we don’t spend a lot of time down at the mall, and hadn’t even heard that it had opened.  Checking out the website got us excited- even RNYD- who puts up with my antics- but is rarely excited about them.

What is Time Mission?  Geared toward kids 7+ and adults, it’s along the same lines as an escape room experience, except instead of one room to escape, there are up to 32 different rooms to solve, all like mini timed escape rooms.  They play to different strengths and different interests in each room.  You can go for an evening/afternoon of family fun, bigger kids can go to hang out, and they do birthday parties (which is awesome because its harder and harder to find places for the older kids who are FAR too mature for the same old places).

We decided it would be the perfect way to kick off Spring Break together, so we made reservations for Friday night.  Making reservations is easy, you simply go online to their Website and choose a day, time and whether you would like a 60 or 90 minute session.  The process is easy, and they had us all set when we showed up for our reservation.  There was no waiting online to choose and pay, we were right in.

After locking up your loose belongings, you are given a chipped bracelet to wear which is what unlocks each room.  Outside of each room is a graph that tells you what strengths this particular room plays on, and a brief description.  If you press the “i” there is information on how to solve the room, TRUST ME READ THE “i”.  There were a few that we had NO clue how to solve simply because we got so excited to go in we forgot to read first.  The good news is, you can go in again and try once you’ve calmed down and read the information- you just can’t stack the points. This wasn’t an issue for us, since the first time in we hadn’t scored any points.

Before we began, we walked around and read all the descriptions and scenarios.  We gravitated toward the rooms with higher mental abilities since we had two adults and two kids. They were more difficult than we anticipated.  We had greater success with the more physical rooms, the kids enjoyed them greatly, and we did as well.  We had so much fun (paired with some frustrations) that we ran out of time to do all of the rooms that we had planned to.

We were there an hour and a half, and there’s still plenty more to check out, plus the rooms that they are building.  We were glad to see on the leader board that we defeated the people who were there before us.  The staff was super friendly.  Which is a major plus, as that is not always the case.  At the end on your way out, they cut off your chips to recycle them (which is also great).

I asked the kids their thoughts at the end and they said, super fun, would go back, some was frustrating.  I like it though, if it was all too easy, you would get through all the rooms too quickly, and although you would feel like a genius, you wouldn’t have been challenged.

Time Mission is a great place for a Birthday Party, Class Trip, Team Building Outing, Family Outing, or just a Friends Afternoon.  It wasn’t crazy busy- was easy to find up near the food court and it was a different night out for us.  Especially when you are looking for something to do with the kids for a day, or on a cold, rainy day off.  My kids liked it, and I am certain that we’ll end up back here.  This is a great new addition to the local entertainment scene for kids.

The kids have asked me to add that their favorite rooms were the castle, the spy laser room, dystopian forest, paleontology discovery, and the planet ball one <3 in case you were looking for their favorites.

They also wanted me to add:

  • Wear comfortable clothing
  • Wear sneakers
  • Read the directions
  • Go out for your favorite treat afterwards <3

 

Music Spring Break Camps at Bach 2 Rock!

Posted on March 21, 2023 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camps, Classes for Kids, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are our own.

Bach to Rock

Spring Break Music Camps Now Available!

April 3rd-7th

Registration is now open for our spring break music camps! This year we are offering a wide variety of camps for the budding musician. Camps will run as week-long programs from Monday, April 3rd, to Friday, April 7th. Both full and half-day sessions are available for registration!

FULL DAY CAMPS 

ROCK BAND

9:00am – 4:00pm

(Ages 7-17)

HALF DAY CAMPS

AM Rock Band / PM Rock Band / PM Beat Making

9:00am – 12:30pm / 12:30pm – 4:00pm

(Ages 7-17)

Rock City World Tour (Preschool – 1st Grade)

9:30am – 12:30pm

*No experience necessary*

Weekly Camp Pricing for Spring Break

Full-Day – $450

Half-Day – $350

Rock City World Tour – $300

REGISTER HERE for SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Happy Birthday to Bach to Rock!

B2R officially turns 6 years old at our Nanuet location on April 1st! 🎂

We’re excited to be celebrating 6 years of music education here in Nanuet! We’re grateful for all of the relationships that we’ve built within our community and would not be here with all of YOU!

Join us on Saturday, April 1st, from 1:00-3:00pm for our open house! We are offering FREE 10-minute lessons to help you decide which instrument or activity to pursue.

B2R will be running musical activities, class/lesson demos, instrument exploration, and you can meet our staff and instructors! All ages are welcome and kids/adults alike will leave learning something new within the world of music!

Enrollment discounts will also be available for all attendees (new students only). If you have been contemplating learning a new instrument, now is the time to get started! Lessons are available in-person or virtually.

(new students only w/ same-day registration)

RNYM’s 10 Must Visit Farms 2022

Posted on April 20, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

We LOVE to be outdoors, and lately I’ve seen some amazing opportunities to get outside with the kids and enjoy what nature has to offer.  As a family we love all things nature, flowers, fruits, animals and more. (E) and I love to pick flowers, and (A) has a new found love of photography- especially of nature which makes these little adventures just so perfect.

So, here’s our list of unique farms we recommend visiting this Spring-Fall- We’ll post what we think after we’ve been so you can keep track of the fun!!

  Tried one out? Tag us or use our hashtag #RNYMFarmList

Wildflowers at Brittany Hollow Farm

http://brittanyhollowfarm.blogspot.com

 

Our Plan: (E) is still OBSESSED with flower picking.  We went down to Jill’s Ceramics and she made her very own vase (complete with family portrait) on it to keep in her room with her picked flowers.  This will be used every time we can (when the flowers fit because of course, even though I encouraged her to make a larger vase, she chose a small one so she can’t fit a ton in there).

Tulips at Holland Ridge Farm

**Currently open through May 1st, get your tickets ASAP if you are looking to go- they are saying they are open until 5/1 its usually a little longer but don’t bank on it.  You may have just seen our post about our most recent trip.**

https://www.hollandridgefarms.com

We’ve been coming to Holland Ridge for 3 years now.  We have experienced super hot sunny days (our first year), Rainy days (last year), and this year, cold and windy.  IT STILL ROCKS!  We picked our flowers, took some great photos, got some wooden tulip key chains to turn into Christmas Ornaments, and even tried out the bakery (the stuffed cookie was fabulous, but I would skip the coffee if I had it to do over).

Locust Grove Fruit Farm
199 North Road
Milton NY 12547

U-Pick Saturday – Sunday
Hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

A fabulous lesser known “pick your own” fruit and veggie farm.  Well worth it especially if like us you are working the “farm to table” angle as long as you can over the summer.  Need more convincing?  There’s a barn brewery (you’re welcome) where you can get some home brewed cider.

 

Blueberry Picking at Halfway Acres Farm

**You can thank us later**

IMG_4455

https://halfwayacres.com

 We will pick, then research some great recipes to add to our RNYM’s Favorite Recipes Page.  It’s a great way to get them involved in eating healthy, learning how to cook and also, learning about where their food comes from.  Veteran tip- pick more than you think you need, they go down like candy.

Sunflower Picking at SunFlower Valley Farm

**This is one of our FAVORITE HAUNTS!!!**

https://www.sunflowervalleyfarm.com/

 366 County Route 12, New Hampton, NY 10958

My father’s favorite flower was the sunflower so its no surprise that I like to go sunflower picking and keep fresh cut sunflowers on the table throughout their peak season.  What’s super nice about this farm is that aside from their festival its fairly low key.  They have a corn maze, and usually some animals to pet too. The dogs were welcome too (on leash) which was FABULOUS!  Great photo opportunity too you know I can’t leave that part out)!!!

April Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sunday & Monday

If you’re looking for a good old farm stand with baked goods, local veggies and more Stokes is the place.  This is where we go to grab the annual and perennial flowers that adorn our yard every year.  It’s perfect for projects with the kids where they can pick out their own to plant, and Ronnie (both generations) is very helpful.

Looking for a beautiful bouquet of flowers that you don’t have to arrange?  Need center pieces for an event? Have their on site floral designer (Jen) create something special for you.  We had her do (E)’s Communion Flowers and they were AMAZING..

      

She is also their on site photographer with Neverland Photography by Jen Tesker.

Lavender Field

***This field hasn’t been open for two years, but we are hopeful that it will be again this year, we are DYING to go t

**We’ have been trying to make it here for 2 years unsuccessfully we would like to take photos and pick some, maybe make sachets or soap or bath bombs out of the lavender we collect.***

https://www.orchardviewlavenderfarm.com/about-orchard-view-lavender-farm

Information: We love visitors!! We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We also host groups of 10 or more by appointment. To make an appointment contact Monica at 201-341-8147 or email her at monica@orchardviewlavenderfarm.com.

Our farm has become a favorite destination where guests can “Cut Your Own” lavender during bloom season and shop in our Lavender Farm Stand. Our English Lavenders typically bloom middle to end of June and our French usually bloom in July.  Of course, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. She determines the bloom times as well as the duration of the bloom.

We offer a variety of natural handmade artisan lavender products including bath & body, household, culinary, teas and tea accessories. And, of course, you’ll also find lavender, both fresh and dried (when in season and while supplies last), lavender sachets in an array of styles and also the finest quality lavender essential oil. We’ve partnered with talented Artisans and Makers to bring you unique handmade gifts, aromatherapy jewelry, décor and so much more.  You’ll also find pure honey harvested from the hives on our farm.

We welcome you to Banbury Cross Farm. Established in 1963, our farm has been passed down from one generation to the next. Our goal is to provide grass-fed, antibiotic free, no added hormone, all-natural beef & lamb, pork, chicken, ducks and turkey. Our livestock is of the highest quality.

We believe in the humane treatment of all animals. We do our best to raise and nurture them in a clean, open, natural environment. Banbury Cross Farm provides the finest holistic care for every animal living on our farms. Our pastures are all-natural grasses, forbs, and browse. Clean, fresh groundwater is provided in all of the pastures year-round.

This I like because its a bit different, its a working animal farm, that does sell meat etc, but also by appointment you can go learn about the animals, and even feed them.  Sounds like a win win to me.

Banbury Cross Farm store is open: Monday, Friday, Saturday 9-11, Wednesday 1-4.

 

Careful with this one, there are different gardens for different purposes.  Although the display gardens sound intriguing- we are more interested in picking our own and snapping a few family pics on an adventure.  Therefore we want the “cut flower fields”  if you just want to experience the beauty maybe have a picnic you want the display gardens- so check out the info for that.

Here is the info:

Plan Your Visit

Where: To avoid confusion, please note that this is our satellite location.
Our primary location is our Display Gardens in Bernardsville, NJ, click here for details.

Our Cut Flower Fields are located at the English Farm
3625 Valley Road, Liberty Corner (Basking Ridge), NJ 07938

When: NOW CLOSED. The dates depend on the timing of the peak herbaceous bloom. Typically, this is from around Memorial Day through the first week in June. Stay tuned for updates on our 2022 season.
Fields open at 10am. Last admission at 3pm, everyone must be out of the fields by 4pm.

How Much: Admission is $10 per person, including children of all ages.
Cut Flowers are $4 per stem.
There’s no need to buy a ticket online or make a reservation at this time, tickets are available at the door.

What to Bring: Bring your own clippers, a bag or bucket to put your flowers in, and water for you and your flowers. We also recommend wearing walking shoes and a hat.

Photography: You are welcome to take a few photos while you are here but we ask that you not come exclusively for photography. No professional photography allowed.

Parking: Drive past the barn and park by the black Peony’s Envy Tent.

Guidelines:

  • No pets, this includes the parking area

  • No smoking, this includes the parking area

  • No picnics

  • No professional photography

  • COVID – We will continue to follow the CDC and Sate of New Jersey Guidelines.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm is a family-operated farm since 1828 located in Westchester County, New York.  We happen to be friends with the family.  That doesn’t mean that it isn’t a top notch farm, and as you know, we believe in supporting small, family owned businesses.  It is about an hour away from New York City. The farm began as cattle farm and evolved to an agricultural farm.

Depending on your seasonal needs; visit us in the spring to buy a varied selection of flowers and vegetable plants, the autumn for apple picking, peach picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, and in the winter for Christmas trees.

Visiting Stuart’s Fruit Farm in the autumn is an exceptional time of the year.  Aside from the perfect apple picking with an array of apples take a hayride around the orchard and visit the farm stand to buy fresh produce and the bakery for delicious apple cider donuts and homemade pies baked daily.  Finally, before heading home have a picnic with your family to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.

At Stuart’s farm we have free parking and we do not charge an orchard fee. Here is the pick your own schedule: https://www.stuartsfarm.com/pyo.html

***Please remember it is cash or check only. For apple picking you can only use Stuart’s farm bags. No outside bags permitted***

Rock n’ Roll! A Destination Recital!

Posted on October 7, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

When we signed up AJ for drum lessons 4 years ago, we thought of the benefits to him.  He doesn’t love soccer like I did, and I was so glad that he found something that he enjoyed.  We are a music loving family so it wasn’t out of the ordinary to us at all.  We knew that being involved in lessons helps with reading and writing, as well as with mathematics.  We hoped that at some point it would help with the concepts of teamwork, and would teach him how to lead (as the drummer often drives the song). Here’s what we were unprepared for.

We found a school that has been able to reach him in extraordinary ways.  He has developed a real love of music, and an appreciation for all types.  His school has been able to accommodate him throughout a pandemic, meeting with him virtually so that we can remain socially distanced and keep our E, who has some health issues, safe.  He has performed a minimum of 2 times a year since he began, learning about musicianship, and playing in different types of venues.  He began performing along with music, graduated to playing on his own and now he has kicked it up a notch.  

This past August we had the pleasure of watching our son play on one of the most prestigious stages there are.  He was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  To do this he not only had to learn a new song, but had to learn how to play with a slew of other musicians who he did not have the opportunity to practice with on a regular basis.  He had one practice time, one dress rehearsal and the performance.  So much of this is a real life musical experience that we were floored.  

For us this was a dream experience realized.  A dream we didn’t even know we had.  This kid took each bump in the road (including the rescheduling of the event due to COVID twice) in stride.  Learned 2 songs (one that he abandoned after playing it so long that he was over it), traveled with us all the way to Cleveland by car then performed brilliantly.  

The music school arranged for us a lodging block, as well as the performance and tickets to the hall.  In order for us as parents to be present and not be distracted trying to document the momentous occasion, the school arranged for professional video and photography.  

We planned a whole trip around it.  When honestly will we ever have the opportunity to come back? So we wanted to make sure that we hit all the “must do’s” while there.  We had the BEST TIME (stay tuned for a post with all our favorite things to do in Cleveland in cause you never thought to go and it may end up on your hit list.  

This experience was well worth its weight in gold.  We had the best time, the kids (and adults!) were so professional, and they gained experience they never would have without.  We were in awe at the artifacts in the building, and you could feel the weight of the experience everywhere.  Nerves were replaced with composure and all kids performed beautifully.  (A) enjoyed the experience of playing with all live musicians so much he is now super interested in the Rock Band Class offered by the school.  

Our minds are reeling.  I don’t know how they are going to top it but of course our minds are reeling… Nashville? Where else keeps popping into our minds.  We are so thankful for such a creative and fabulous school where (A) has been flourishing for 4 years already!!! Stay tuned!

Looking for a unique and professional music school where you or your child can flourish? Take advantage of the Halloween Promotion they are currently having!!!  FREE REGISTRATION and FREE FIRST LESSON when you register and mention RNYM.com!!!!

“A Christmas Story House”

Posted on August 29, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Events, Out and about..., Photo Obsessed, Reviews, Things to Do!, Travel, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.  This article contains affiliate links, if you click them and purchase the items we earn a small commission.

As (A) was selected to attend the trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his music school, New City School of Music, we knew right away that we would want to make a family trip out of it (when will we ever have the chance to come back).  I reached out to friends and also my favorite reference, Pinterest, in order to find cool things we had to see, and do.  I will OF COURSE be blogging about all of it.  The first one is the house from the movie “A Christmas Story“.

WARDROBE

I am a HUGE dork as you know, and my kids are getting older FAST.  I had the opportunity to put together some “themed” clothing items and took advantage of it.  I am fully aware that soon enough they won’t allow me to do so, so I did it now (stay tuned for the outfits for our other stops).

The kids got customized gear because I have a circuit so WHY NOT?!

For (A) I of course had to play on “you’ll shoot your eye out”.

Front

https://amzn.to/3krgUbF

For (E) the pink nightmare was PERFECTION.  We did a play on the classic bunny suit scene, and since my little horror loving gal likes creepy things we thought this was befitting.

https://amzn.to/3z2d7Wl

RNYD and I went more classic.  He got a plaid button down shirt to play on the time frame of the movie, as well as to kind of be less dorky (he puts up with me only half willingly).  I used his shirt to tie the ensemble together (special thanks to my girls including RNYM Account Manager Sofija to helping me there).

https://amzn.to/3z2MSPK

For myself we decided to go classic, with a 50’s themed dress  <3

https://amzn.to/3wIXJwk

EXPERIENCE

We purchased our tickets before heading out to Cleveland so that I could put them out that day for the kids.  They are super affordable.  I also keep the clothing a secret having packed them in their bags without their knowledge.  I love that they can wear them again this holiday season too :o)

There is a small amount of off street parking next to the house.

When we got there we went straight to the house to check it out.  You have to have tickets to do this, if you didn’t purchase in advance, you have to go to the store to get them before you can enter. The staff allows you a certain amount of time to walk around and “experience’ the house, check things out and recreate specific scenes that you recall.

You can touch all the things  <3

 

At your scheduled time they call you all together and you learn about the movie and the house, then you get a tour of the outside, the firehouse, museum, and garages.

 

Seeing all the memorabilia was really cool, but I especially loved the fan art that they display.

You finally finish up in the souvenir shop.  THERE ARE SO MANY FUN THINGS this takes time, and restraint :o)  We could have purchased everything, but we chose a few special items for the kids (nope no leg lamp, no bb gun).  The kids each brought money they were able to use for something special and RNYD and I supplemented a bit, of course, we purchased an ornament for the tree to commemorate the experience (which we always do).

`

COOL SIDE NOTES

This is a great place to maybe take those “Christmas Card” photos- the staff is super kind and everyone there was so nice, and willing to help you if you wanted a family pic.

They do special events for Christmas in July- check them out if you are considering a visit.

You can RENT the house like a hotel, or the Bumpus’ house next door.  We really enjoyed Cleveland and its not 100% off the table as a future possibility.

LEGOLAND NY- The RNYM Scoop

Posted on July 25, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Reviews, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

We are not working with LEGOLAND NY but I do have an avid builder so we have season passes that we purchased two years ago like many of you when they had a deal that you basically would have been crazy not to take, for the price of approximately one days admission, you were able to pre-purchase a season pass.  (A) is such a LEGO fan that I knew we would have to do it.  We figured we lived close enough, and parking was included, that it made sense.  We finally went this week for his 11th birthday, and here’s what we found.

(A) and his friend are about at the top of the age group that it will work for at 11.  After this year, there won’t be much for them to do or explore unless the park gets some additions.  That being said, we DID spend 6 hours there this week, and both boys were engaged and had a good time.

The park isn’t huge, which makes it perfect for a day trip.  The day we went (a Tuesday, that was overcast and sprinkling rain) it was super empty especially at opening.  That was by design, I didn’t want to wait on line forever.  I ALWAYS go at opening to these type of places because the rest of the world isn’t ready yet. For LEGOLAND that’s 10 am, but not everything was open and operating at that time.  Some of the food vendors were still closed, and some of the games were not operating.

When I take (E) back I will be better able to report on her age group (8) which is a little younger and may experience things differently.  This time both boys were 11 so I have a bit of an older take on the trip.  They wanted to start the day walking down the hill looking at the intricate models they had built (this I KNOW my 8 year old will care less about).  They marveled at how many bricks it must have taken for each one, asking me to take photos of ones they liked best, and trying the interactive aspects.  I am not sure if its growing pains as its so new, but the majority of the functions didn’t work, and there were control knobs missing.  They DID however have sanitization stations near each model which was nice because the boys (conditioned at this point to cleaning from the pandemic) would try something then use the station.

We then headed down to the pirate area where there are a few water rides.  The single rider ships were cool, and great for a little refresher, but the boys LOVED the bigger pirate ship where you can shoot the spectators, and have them shoot you back with water cannons.  I stayed off and let them soak me.  That was a real HOOT!

The climbing pirate ship was cute, but the boys weren’t interested, that’s what I think (E) will like, and those younger (say ages 4-9) so we passed that by and moved into LEGOCity.  At opening (10 am) not all the food or vending areas were open, again, I am aware that its not completely open at this time, but it does set a tempo.  The boys enjoyed getting their Drivers Licenses and putting out fires.  The coast guard ride was closed, unfortunately, which i could see the boys enjoying.  We didn’t attend the show (as a COVID precaution) but perhaps we would be interested in seeing it next time.  We did meet one employee at the fire station who was super happy and excited about making our time great- he was a stand out (I wish I had taken his name).

There are “carnival” type games strewn throughout the park, but I told the kids no.  It’s just not my favorite, but if you enjoy them plan on spending a little more time in each area.

I was saddened to see how few patrons paid attention to the CLEAR signs that said no climbing on the LEGO setups and nicely asked them to stay on the paths.  It is obvious that a lot of time and effort went into them, and it will be a shame to see it all ruined by people who don’t follow the rules.

Up the hill is the Castle and the Ninjago areas where I knew the boys would spend the majority of their time.  They had a good time on the dragon rollercoaster, and the tower climbing attraction, then made me buy swords and shields (Moms you feel me….. I know).  The dragon coaster photo was great so I purchased that.

In the Ninjago area there is another ride-on game that was super fun (I killed it, but didn’t rank for the week, I may have to practice).  There is another photo opportunity here.  The climbing area was closed, but there is another game in the corner where you have to run from cylinder to cylinder and tag the one of your color you can compete with friends on that was super fun.

When we first walked in, there was a list of  “shows” you can see.  We recalled that the boys wanted to attend Master Wu’s training.  There are no other signs throughout the park with the schedule, so when we asked personnel, we were shocked to find that they also didn’t know the times or places.  Perhaps another kink?  Either way, we did finally make it back for the show, but found quickly that it was not with Master Wu. This show was geared toward much younger kids.  They left after about 2 minutes.

At this point the boys were hungry so we decided to have a bite.  Each area of the park has different food available, so keep an eye out for what you may like.  We were disappointed to find that after choosing, we waited on a line for food in the Ninjago area. They were out of one of the selections (there were 3 options at this site before being out of the beef bowl- this happened elsewhere too) so we all got the Orange Chicken,  It came with a large scoop of rice, about 3 vegetables and some fried chicken balls in orange sauce.  It was OK (it’s theme park food I didn’t expect 5 stars), and again the only drink choices were a few soft drinks.

We wanted to get some dessert as well, so we headed back to something cool I had seen earlier.  Apple Fries- THIS IS A MUST.  I will rave about them and order them EVERY TIME I go.  They were so good, and you can even watch them make them through a window.  They do NOT however have the soft serve Ice Cream advertised at that location, and you cannot get a single scoop of ice cream there, which meant we had to walk elsewhere to find it.  Fine, we looked at it as burning some of the calories we were about to consume.  The vanilla and chocolate ice cream was good, but they colored the vanilla super yellow and it turned everyone’s mouths yellow, it was kind of gross.  I had been previously warned that some of the other flavors were not stellar so we stuck with classics.

We circled back to some of the rides we really enjoyed, before heading up to the building area in Bricktopia.  If you have ever been to the discovery center in Westchester, this area is exactly like the building you can do there, which made my guys happy.  They spent a good long time building race cars and competing.  It was luckily not crowded, and we sanitized WELL afterwards.  The change into a minifigure ride was cute, and has a neat photo that changes as you move it, but we didn’t get it because 2/3 of us were not looking at that part (LOL). It’s on my list for next time.

Last but of course not least is the GIANT LEGO Store.  We saved this for last as (A) had birthday money to spend and I didn’t want to carry LEGO around the park.  It has EVERYTHING you can think of (except one thing which I hope they add) and takes a while to check out.  They have the really neat ‘TV’ setups throughout the store where you can hold up your set and see it come to life (yes this was very fun).  The associates in here seemed very knowledgeable and friendly.

I forced the boys to ride the carousel (its a classic) which I know my 8 year old will enjoy, and then we headed home with our spoils.

OK I know this is getting long so I will give you some quick info to use.  

HELPFUL HINTS:

  • Bring a refillable water bottle there are stations everywhere and it sill save you $4.50 a bottle of water.  There are no other “healthy” drinks available for kids.
  • If you are a season pass holder, tell them when you purchase ANYTHING and show them your bar code, it saves you 10%.
  • They have refillable drink containers available but it seems to only be worth it if you plan to purchase 4 or more drinks throughout the day.
  • First photo purchased is like $17.99 after that its $5 per photo, but you have to show the initial receipt.
  • It’s a cashless park for now, so don’t go to the ATM, just bring a credit card.
  • APPLE FRIES ARE AMAZING ( you can find them on the way from LEGOCity to the Castle)- Don’t eat them all I am coming back.
  • I brought a small sling back backpack which was PERFECT.
  • Sunscreen on a sunny day, there isn’t a lot of shade.
  • Ask about food allergies at EACH station, they have books they can reference for you to be sure.
  • Try to go during the week as its less crowded, and early (10 am) you’ll have the run of the park. (This may change when the hotel opens as it opens options to visitors from further away).
  • Strollers are allowed, and I would suggest them for kids who are not good walkers as its somewhat hilly.
  • If your kiddos bring a mini-figure with them they can trade with staff throughout the park, which is fun.

The hotel opens next month and I am interested to see what they offer.  I haven’t found that they keep us informed all that well.  I KNOW my kids will love the themed rooms (a toss up in our house between the Ninjago and the Castle), but is there a pool? A restaurant or two we can choose from while there?  How about master builder classes, or events to sign up for?  I have SO MANY ideas but no one asks me ;o)  I would like to check it out for sure and report back.

Final notes:

I have heard a bit of negative feedback regarding the park, and remember this.  See it from your kids’ eyes.  Sometimes we compare to other things we know, and OUR parental expectations.  Kids have different thoughts (in fact, (A) and his friend were responsible for a lot of this review).  It’s smaller and definitely geared toward the younger crowd, I do wonder if there are plans for more.  The food is OK, they tried, it’s a theme park.  If your kid loves LEGO, go.  Its totally worth a day trip.  

1 Comment .

Musicianship- A Lesson well Learned

Posted on July 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Opportunities, Out and about..., Photography, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Thoughts.. .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As you well know, (A) has been taking drum lessons with the New City School of Music for 4 years now.  He has blossomed into a great, versatile drummer.  He has been a full remote student since COVID hit, and we were so excited to report last month that in person performances are back.  Despite being able to learn online, and participate in virtual performances as well as performing for NYSSMA this spring, he has really missed having opportunities to showcase his talents live.  As mentioned in my previous article he has two opportunities upcoming to do so.  

The first was an outdoor recital this past weekend.  These organized performances (which happen twice a year) are free of charge to parents, family members and friends to attend.  Sam and the music school staff were able to book Zukor Park, and get the mobile bandstand stage for the students to perform on.  The usual performance space is indoors, and although it’s awesome, this was a really nice opportunity.  He hasn’t played live outdoors yet.  As a musician it can pose a whole new set of obstacles to overcome.

Having been away from the scene for a year and a half, he was understandably nervous.  He was in the last group of the day (NCSM breaks performers into groups so you don’t have to be there all day, although you could if you wanted to) and when we arrived we learned that he was closing out the whole performance!  Super cool, especially since he always chooses something fun and upbeat.  I brought my good camera to snap some pics, intended for this article.

When it was his turn, (A) got settled on stage and arranged the kit the way he likes it and the music started.  He had difficulty hearing the music and missed his entrance.  For most kids, especially those with little experience it would have totally thrown them off.  For a moment I didn’t dare breathe, afraid that he might become embarrassed, stop, I am not even sure what I was afraid of.  I underestimated him. He simply listened, counted and jumped in.  You would never know.

At the end is where he really shocked me.  He was feeling it, and proud, he knew he overcame a huge moment.  He finished the song and threw his hands and sticks up in celebration.  All in attendance cheered and I snapped a quick (mediocre) photo.

He then came off stage and his sister so proud of him, threw herself around him in congratulations.  I missed it.  Know who didn’t miss it?  The professional photographer that NCSM hired to take photos of the day, (Latham Photography) at no charge to us students.  He captured all of it, and super well.  Two days after the performance we received our complimentary link to download the edited photos and I was floored.  Below are HIS photos of this awesome event.

Did I mention they even went around and took family photos? Here’s our group <3

Needless to say, I am one happy momma.  (A) has shown so much growth even in adversity, overcame a little blip in his first live performance in a year and a half, entertained the crowd and has set a new standard for his next performance.  Which will be at the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME in Cleveland Ohio in August, another amazing opportunity afforded us by The New City School of Music.  I look forward to reporting back and updating you all on that experience as well. <3

If you are interested in hearing more about The New City School of Music and what they have to offer, give them a call.  We as always appreciate you mentioning you heard it here.  Their current promotion is as follows: 

It’s not too late to sign up for music lessons! *** July Music Special *** Get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE if you enroll by July 6th!
Fight the Summer boredom and let’s make some music! Enroll by 8/1 and get Free Registration and your 1st thirty minute lesson FREE!
We teach Drum, Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice, and Woodwinds to students of all ages. In person lessons ARE available! It’s super easy to sign up–just call/text us 845-499-2137 or send us an email at office@newcitymusicschool.com.

Performances, Recitals and Concerts are BACK!

Posted on May 10, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are our own.

I KNOW everyone is craving some normal.  Now the kids are back to school (even mine starting this week), Broadway is selling some tickets for this coming fall, and even my students are coming in and reporting that they have been vaccinated.  I want to take this opportunity to champion all the children’s classes and activities that found ways to continue on thus far.  You guys are amazing!  This includes (but is no limited to) our directory members Dance Central PA, New City School of Music, Coupe Dance Theatre Studio, Swim Like a Fish Instructional Aquatics and so so many more. 

Virtual instruction and performances have continued on, with most offering a hybrid or full accommodated return. Although all had the best of intentions, my children were uninterested in virtual performances last year, and I am sure they are not the only ones.  With more time to prepare this year, they have secured outdoor locations, and some MAJOR indoor performances that we have been looking forward to can continue.

This is what spurred this latest article.  Although (E) has not been able to dance this year (virtual just doesn’t work for her and with her health concerns we couldn’t risk it), (A) has been doing his drum lessons virtually since March of last year.  We are lucky enough to have a full kit at home to work with.  Each time a virtual recital came up he politely declined, wanting to perform live.  The event he was so looking forward to (playing at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame) was postponed, and he was really nervous that it would be cancelled.  He even got to perform a NYSSMA piece for the first time this year, and had to participate virtually by recording him playing.  He doesn’t love that, but was a trooper.

We just received an email from New City School of Music  with information regarding an OUTDOOR in person-performance in June. (A) was all over that- is like playing at a festival, or a party!  He is so stoked! Truly, there’s an option for everyone and that’s what I love.

Information: June 27th we’re doing a hybrid recital! We’re doing outdoors in person here in Zukor Park here in New City on Sunday June 27th. We’re very excited about that. Everyone will be safely socially distanced.  We’re renting the stage from the town for students to perform on.  And we’re also going to continue with the online option.  So students who wish to perform virtually can still do that, and we’ll post that on our YouTube page.

Then we received word about a new Rock N Roll Hall of Fame date. (A) couldn’t be happier.  We get to take a little family vacation and he creates the memory of a lifetime (you’d better believe I have a pinterest board ready)!

Information: We’ll be performing in the Foster Theatre, located on the 3rd floor of the Hall of Fame August 21.

As if that weren’t enough, Sam and the staff at the music school realize that getting your child to practice may be difficult so they have added zoom practice sessions to their list of offerings!!!

Information: Twice a week students can log in to a Zoom practice room to practice with other students, and we have a live proctor there to help students practice.  Students can ask questions – how do I work on this, or that?  We’re getting a lot of really great feedback on this and it’s keeping students motivated. And on top of that, every time you log in to the Zoom practice session, you can earn 3 points towards your practice challenge wristband.  You can earn 1 point for practicing at home, you can mark it off on your practice chart and 3 for practicing in the practice session.  So be sure to check that out – check your email for the dates and times and we’ll see you online for the Practice Sessions!

With amazing things like these coming up, its no wonder they have just reached the milestone of having 650 students enrolled at the school (congrats guys).  They will just keep growing.

845-709-8383

Email: office@newcitymusicschool.com

Code Ninjas Adds MLK Activities!

Posted on January 8, 2021 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Things to Do! .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 

Code Ninjas Locations in Bergen County to Offer Coding Workshops on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 18th

(ROCKLAND/BERGEN, January 5, 2020) On Monday, January 18th several locations of Code Ninjas in Bergen County will be hosting events for students. Code Ninjas of Midland Park will host a free MLK Coding Workshop Day with three one-hour workshops to be held at 10:00am, 11:30am and 1:00pm. The coding workshops are appropriate for children ages 7 to 10 years old. Children will experience creative and analytical challenges and opportunities as they build, mod, and create ‘Minecraft’ like games in Scratch. Participants will be able to choose their own characters and actions inside the games and learn to control and manipulate those characters.

Registration is required. Please register at http://bit.ly/codeninjamlkday

The coding workshops are designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer programming, specifically looping, condition statements and variables and children with no experience in coding can participate as well as those with some previous instruction. The workshops are designed to be entertaining, fun and educational and foster the young creative mind and teach children to be ‘digital producers’, as opposed to digital consumers. To reserve a spot call 201-882-1234. Workshops will be held at Code Ninjas at 85 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ.

Code Ninjas in Saddlebrook is hosting school fundraisers for Martin Luther King Jr Day. They will offer a virtual “Hour of Code” to participating schools, where kids get to design and code their own games and share them with friends and families. The proceeds of each hour will be donated back to the participating schools. For more information on how your school can participate call 551-300-2633. Code Ninjas is located at 383 Market Street, Building B Unit 6 in Saddle Brook.

Code Ninjas is the world’s largest and fastest-growing organization helping kids learn to write code on computers. At their centers, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. For more information and the location near you, visit www.codeninjas.com

New Twist on an old Holiday Game

Posted on November 22, 2020 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2020, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponosred post.  Not sure if this game exists, but we used the idea of an old game and made it ours for the holidays.   This article does contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase our recommendations we make a small amount of money. 

This year even though we are a STRICT no Christmas stuff until after Thanksgiving family, I decided to start sharing ideas with you now.  Why?  Because we could ALL use a little sunshine and fun this year, and I am planning to share things that you can do even contactless, which is one thing we are all adapting too.  We are sad and missing our “Normal” too…

If your family is ANYTHING like ours, you have everything.  No one needs anything.  A few years back we were trying to decide what to do for the holidays, because of course, despite not needing things, its always fun to open a gift.  My brother and sister in law (Shannon) host my side of the family’s gift exchange and they love to make it fun.  The idea of a “white elephant” exchange was thrown around, but we didn’t love the name.  That’s when (A) said, what about a “white deer”?

Loved this idea, its more festive for us.  Then we thought about the idea of the exchange, although super entertaining, no one in our family needs more “stuff” either.  We wanted it to be kind of meaningful, not just funny.  Those “funny” gifts are amusing, then what do you do with them?  We didn’t want to “waste” money on things that would be tossed out or aside after a few days.

Then (A) threw out the idea that it would be themed every year.  He would decide the theme and let my sister in law know.  One of the gifts would be a statue of a white deer.  We got ours from Homegoods, but I love this one too CLICK FOR LINK .The person who won it would display it like a trophy each year, sign it (in permanent marker) and wrap it back up for the next year.

We set a price limit ($25) and each person goes out and buys something “On theme” to wrap and bring to the party.

The evening of the celebration, we follow typical rules that Shannon made, you get a number, then when its your turn, roll the dice and follow the rules on the sheet.

Even my kids play.  It makes for some super fun stuff, and its actually the way we got our AWESOME tabletop smores maker that we use and adore.  The more “outside of the box” and useful the better.  Once everyone has chosen, we all open simultaneously.

Shannon the “Hostess with the Mostest”

Themes we have done:

  • Red and Green
  • Something Warm
  • Favorite Holiday Movie (this year’s theme)

This year will obviously be different.  We are following the COVID guidelines very carefully as we have loved ones to protect.  We are still brainstorming how it will work, BUT I think we are going to have a randomization site pick our numbers over ZOOM. Then display the gifts we purchased (or we may do a door drop for randomization before hand) for people pick over the computer.  People at each place then still get to open something and react.  After the game, we will drop it at each others homes (contactless of course).

Special thanks to Shannon for allowing me to share her game, and for the pics <3

Next Page »
  • About this Site
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Savings for RNYM.com Readers!
  • Currently loving….
    • Feeding Baby
    • BabyCare 101
  • Directories
    • Pregnancy and Babies
    • Camps Directory 2023
    • Childcare/Pre-School Directory
    • Classes Directory
    • For the Home
    • Direct Sales Directory
    • Party Directory
    • Party Entertainment Directory
    • Photographers Directory
    • Family Services Directory
    • Crafters Directory
    • Specialty Items Directory
    • Play Ball
  • A Good Cause
  • I’m Going on a Trip…
    • Theater
  • We’re having a party….
  • RNYM’s Favorite Recipes
  • Become Part of RocklandNYMom
  • RNYM in the News!
  • Christmas 2019

Newsletter Sign Up

Categories

Recent Comments

  • MB on Home Made Christmas Ornaments!
  • Mom E. on LEGOLAND NY- The RNYM Scoop
  • RocklandNYMom on Socially Safe Santa
  • sikis izle on Socially Safe Santa
  • Amanda Kivell on Camps Directory 2023

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Recent Posts

  • Climbing out of our Comfort Zone
  • Four Stars for Movie House Paramus
  • Getting Back to it!
  • Kicking off Spring Break with a Time Mission Review!
  • Music Spring Break Camps at Bach 2 Rock!

CyberChimps WordPress Themes

© Rockland Mom