Weekly Highlights in NYC #28: March 10-16
There are some fantastic spring events that I highly recommend grabbing tickets for and what I'm thinking about purchasing for Easter
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There are some fantastic events happening this spring that I highly recommend getting tickets to each of the below:
Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18, at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify. There will be lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto, a separate lounge with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.
Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People's Concert on its own — a great standalone option for families.
AMNH Spring Lunch: On Wednesday, April 22, the museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics. I've always loved attending this one; the speakers never disappoint and the conversation tends to linger with you. (Adults only.)
Hassenfeld Children's Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2, at Industry City, Brooklyn: The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. It will be a wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children's Hospital.
Playground Partners Annual Family Party: On Wednesday, May 20, in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park's 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Truly the best event, and tickets always sell out, don’t wait to purchase these tickets!
Rug Concerts® at Diller-Quaile: Saturday, March 14 at 9:30am and 11 a.m. This month's theme is Celtic Spirit — a 45-minute interactive concert where kids six and under can listen, sing, and move along with live professional musicians. A family favorite and highly recommend if you haven't been before. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance.
MoMA Family Gallery Talks Focus on Women Artists: Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15: A wonderful free program for families with kids ages 4–10, featuring guided discussions and activities in front of artworks this month centered on women artists. Free for kids and adults and includes museum admission. Two time slots available each day: 10:15–11:15 a.m. & 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Pier 57 Playground: Pier 57 has been keeping summer alive indoors this winter with swings, live rainforest sounds, and indoor picnicking — and it's wrapping up soon (March 31). A fun, low-key outing for the kids. And while you're there, check out Market 57 for lunch. I think they have excellent food options.
Easter is one of my favorite holidays — and even more magical once kids are in the picture. I go all in on basket-building and love finding ways to make the morning feel really special. Here's everything I'm considering this year:
To decorate eggs: I love the ritual of it as much as the result. I always stock up on a variety of colors. I’ve never tried this decorating kit, and think my kids would love it. I got served this video on IG and am intrigued to try marbling this year.
For the easter egg hunting: Pottery Barn Kids makes the best personalized baskets (love this one and this one too). Etsy has some cute personalized baskets too. And how fun would it be to find a large golden egg?!
Easter-related books we love: Marshmallow, How to Catch the Easter Bunny, Charlotte’s Web, Happy Easter, Mouse!, The Good Egg, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, I Am a Bunny, and It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny
For easter basket stuffing ideas, start with some chic grass, then add:
An adorable stuffie like a lamb, duckling, pink bunny, and cannot get over this cute bag!
An activity like this hidden picture book, Easter puzzles or Paint by Sticker
A Tamagotchi (my kids received one year and loved it!)
This game: My kids LOVE it and we still play it all the time
Other favorite things include: a slinky, gardening tools, Play-Doh eggs, bath crayons, sidewalk chalk, colored bath drops (love these!), Lip Smacker Carrot Lip Balm, and StickiKubes
And here are some other cute basket filler ideas
For tablescaping: I love this ruffled chair slipcover, I’ll be dreaming of these Lily of the Valley placemats with this tablecloth. For the kids, I love this festive garland, floral napkins, and these Surprise Carrots are adorable (or Surprise Eggs!)
Here’s my perfect Easter hosting menu: Deviled eggs to start, this gorgeous roast (super easy, just takes a long time) with a simple salad, and a delicious asparagus tart that is easy and impressive. And for dessert, Ina’s famous Carrot Cake.
If you’re looking to bring an incredibly indulgent but chic hostess gift, I cannot get over these chocolates from Birley Bakery (69th and Madison). I’m swooning over the chocolate egg box and the Mother Hen & Family set.
……and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide from last week, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.