Big Fun at Big Apple Circus

If you’re looking for an afternoon or evening of family fun, look no further than the Big Apple Circus!

The can’t-miss show has been entertaining circus-goers for decades and this year is no different. I recently schlepped my two little ones to the Lincoln Center for a day under the big top. At first I was nervous that my temperamental two-year-old son wouldn’t sit through the hour and a half show, but I couldn’t have been more wrong—he had the time of his life! In fact, they were both completely captivated from the beginning to the end.

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Ava and MJ enjoying the Big Apple Circus. For date and ticket information, click here!

Jam-packed with crowd-pleasing clowns and amazing acrobatic acts, it’s no surprise the show commanded their full attention. While they enjoyed the entire circus, they especially liked the galloping horses portion of the show. Plus, the audience participation made the experience even better. And to top things off, there’s even a pony-riding opportunity for the children during the intermission and after the show!

If you’re in the New York City area between now and January 10th, round up your family and head to the Big Apple Circus. Trust me, it will be a treat for the entire family!

Do you and your family go to the circus annually?

Must-See: New York Botanical Garden’s 2015 Holiday Train Show

If you’re in the New York City area and looking for a festive outing for the family, keep reading.

Last week, I took my son to New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show and it was simply mesmerizing. Located in the Bronx, the annual event is a treat for toddlers, tykes and adults alike!

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The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show runs now through January 18, 2016. Click here for more information. 

Surrounded by breathtakingly gorgeous botanicals, dozens of sprawling tracks run throughout the main atrium. The entire event buzzes with the attendees’ excitement of spotting a model train and watching it zip by. From trolleys to Thomas the Tank Engine, there’s variety of trains that will satisfy any transit enthusiast. If railways and locomotives aren’t your thing, don’t worry—the utter beauty of the plants and foliage is enough to keep you intrigued.

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Plus, throughout the 3,000 sq-foot space there are impeccably designed miniature retro replicas of the city’s most notable infrastructures and landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, New York Public Library and even the Apollo Theater in Harlem. One of my favorite attractions at the show was the Brooklyn Bridge replica that stretches over one of the exhibit’s walkways.

It was a fun afternoon that my son thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, a week later and he’s still stumbling around shouting, “choo-choo!” I think we’ve discovered our new holiday season tradition.

Tips if you the New York Botanical Holiday Train Show:

*Go early and make reservations if possible.

*If you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, take the Metro-North train at Grand Central Station and get off at Botanical Gardens (it lets you out right across the street) to avoid the 20-minute walk from the MTA trains.

*Don’t make a wish and toss coins into the small ponds on site.

*Take tons of pictures!

Have you ever attended the New York Botanical Holiday Train Show? Do you have any holiday activity traditions?

SeaGlass Carousel at the Battery: A Fun Experience for the Whole Family

The holidays are upon us!

If you’re in the New York City area and looking for a fun, family-friendly outing, look no further than the SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery Conservancy.

I had the pleasure of attending a family media night there several weeks ago and my 5-year-old daughter has been begging to go back ever since. Although I’m about  30 years past 5, it was one of the most memorable and magical evenings I’ve ever experienced.

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Photo by @SamGarber via Instagram

Ten years in the making, the permanent, awe-inspiring carousel has been open to the public since August, but I’m sure the crowds will continue throughout the holiday season.

The cultural attraction consists of a grand nautilus shell with 30 beautiful, luminescent fish as large as 9 ½ feet wide and 13 ½ feet tall! Designed by the acclaimed George Tsypin Opera, the ride is even more unforgettable thanks to the enchanting, thematic music.

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Ava enjoying her 7th ride on the carousel! 

Trust me, for only $5 per ride your entire family will enjoy this “underwater” experience right in the heart of the Big Apple.

Have you visited the SeaGlass Carousel? 

GIVEAWAY: Tickets to ‘ANNIE’ at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn!

One of the most beloved characters and timeless stories is coming to Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this month—”Annie the Musical!

The classic tale of the curly-haired orphan is making its debut at the beautiful, newly restored theatre on December 15th. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin  Charmin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, the Tony award-winning production will have a fresh new feel. But, don’t worry—original songs like “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” still remain as the soundtrack to this sentimental rags-to-riches story.

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Annie” runs through December, 27th. Click here for ticket information and show times. 

If you’re in the New York City area this holiday season, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Adults and children alike will enjoy watching this musical live on stage. My daughter is already excited about seeing it. I’m just shocked that she’s already familiar with some of the songs!

**I’m giving away 4 tickets to the opening show on Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30pm. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 10th. Simply leave a comment below or tweet me telling me what’s your favorite stage play and/or musical. This contest is only open to U.S residents. 

What’s your favorite stage play and/or musical? 

STEM-centric ‘Molecules to the MAX!’ DVD Giveaway

Like most moms, I want my 5-year-old daughter to grow up knowing that she can be absolutely anything that she wants to be in this world.

That’s why I’m so happy that young children today, especially girls are being exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs, activities, toys and movies at a far more than the generations before them.

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So when I received information about, Giant Screen Film Molecules to the MAX!, a new animated film about science I was excited! The super cute 40-minute movie teaches children about the basic atomic makeup of ordinary items such as snowflakes, pennies and chewing gum. The adorable colorful characters coupled with the brilliant computer animation had my kids glued to their DVD player.  It’s so well-written that it holds their attention while educating them at the same time.

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The award-winning movie transported me back to middle school when I was fascinated by molecules and all the science-y stuff that little girls oftentimes aren’t encouraged to be interested in.

If you’re looking for ways to get your kids off of their tablets to watch something of substance, this is an excellent choice!

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Molecules to the Max! is available here, $20

For those in the Eastern New York and Western New England area, you can catch the movie airing on PBS affiliate WMHT on the following dates/times:

Monday, 11/30 at 7am

Tuesday, 12/1 at 6am

Wednesday, 12/2 at 4pm

Thursday, 12/3 at 11am

Friday, 12/4 8am 

**One lucky winner will win a copy of the DVD. Simply leave a comment or tweet me (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what your favorite subject in school was when you were a kid. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on 12/1/15. This contest is only open to U.S residents. 

Actor Taye Diggs Releases New Children’s Book “Mixed Me!”

Last week I had the opportunity to take the kids to a private reading of actor/author Taye Diggs’ new children’s book, “Mixed Me!”

Hosted by The Moms Network, the event was held at Aeropostale, a popular clothing store in the heart of Times Square. Prior to the reading and meet-and-greet, attendees were encouraged to donate gently used plastic toys to Second Chance Toys for the holidays. We were also treated to cupcakes and light refreshments.

Once the moms and kids were settled in, Taye Diggs and the book’s illustrator Shane W. Evans (also one of Taye’s closest friends) began to read the well-written tale. Inspired by Taye’s son, the book is about a little boy named Mike whose mom is described as being “rich cream and honey” and his dad as “deep brown.” His hue falls somewhere in between, which his parents explains to him as being “mixed just right!” 

The story encourages children to be confident and celebrate their physical differences. While the title suggests the story’s about being bi-racial, it’s truly a universal story about embracing and accepting individuality. 

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Ava and MJ look on as actor/author Taye Diggs and illustrator Shane W. Evans sign copies of their new book, “Mixed Me!”

Shane, the illustrator spoke eloquently about how important it was for him to get the pictures just right. He told the audience that he specifically chose each complexion and every curl meticulously to give credence to children whose hair and skin tone might stand out from the crowd.

Surprisingly, both Ava and MJ sat attentively while the story was being read and seemed to be quite entertained.

Overall, it was a fun afternoon for the kids and me. I plan on reading the book at Ava’s school next month.

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“Mixed Me!” by Taye Diggs and illustrated by Shane W. Evans is available here, $13

If you’re a parent to a young child, how do you encourage them to be confident? Please share your thoughts!

Pharrell Williams’ New Book Will Make Children Very ‘Happy!’

For all of the children around the world who sang along with and danced to Pharrell Williams’ hit song, “Happy!,” they’re in for a real treat.

The Grammy-award winning musician has turned his popular tune into a beautiful, full color book that children and adults alike will love. Packed with undeniable energy, the book’s catchy lyrics at times seem as if they could dance right off the page! We all know that the lyrics are entertaining and upbeat, but the adorable photographs of the children really bring the song to life. For example, the line “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof,” is illustrated with a little boy sitting in a makeshift house with the roof blowing off above his head—so adorable.

Pharrell Williams credit Mimi Valdes

Pharrell Williams | Photo by Mimi Valdes

While the the book is fun, Pharrell’s purpose for turning the song into a book is to promote literacy. “I’m committed to encouraging child literacy and this project is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” Pharrell says in a release. “The “Happy” lyrics and pictures are an opportunity to inspire kids to read and promote imagination.

When I received my review copy in the mail, my daughter was BEYOND excited! Like many children across the country, it is one of her favorite songs. Her elation was catapulted when she saw the bright, eye-catching cover. We read (and couldn’t help but sing too) and danced at the same time. This book personifies joy and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter’s kindergarten class next month.

Hats off to Pharrell for breathing new life into such an amazing and beautifully written song. We all need a bit of happiness.

Happy! by Pharrell Williams

“Happy!” by Pharrell Williams available here, $19 (hardcover)

Below, check out Pharrell speaking about the book on TODAY:

What song automatically boosts your mood and makes you feel happy?