May was a quieter month for the AWNY Mums and Dads group after a very busy April. The warmer weather has been very welcome and my children are loving the more regular sight of sprinklers in the playgrounds.
This month, Amanda and I wanted to include a shout out to the Dads of this group. The events we’ve organised so far have been focused on the Mums. We’d love some input from the Dads to see if you’d like our help to organize a Dad’s meet-up, arrange a Saturday playgroup or something else entirely. Please contact us through our Facebook page or email AWNY. We’d love to hear from you.
With the school holidays rapidly approaching, I wanted to share a day trip idea. As I have recently overcome my fear of travelling on the subway alone with two children, I am finally leaving the Upper West Side. Well, if I’m honest there’s still fear, I can just do it without hyperventilating and shouting! The New York Hall of Science in Queens is worth the long subway ride. I have a 4.5 year old and nearly 2 year old and they were both transfixed for hours. It would also be suitable for much older children as my two missed a lot of the meaning behind many of the exhibits. All the exhibits were engaging and hands on, however the ‘Connected Worlds’ installation was a must see. There’s also plenty of staff on hand to help the children get the most out of the museum. It can get a bit hectic with school groups but there’s a preschool area where groups aren’t allowed and we were advised that the groups tend to leave at 12-1pm. A few helpful pointers:
1. There’s no lift for strollers at 111th street Subway Station in Queens however, however I found I only had to look towards the stairs and people were offering me help.
2. The café was pretty basic so I would advise bringing your own food.
3. In what I would consider a big win, the shop was easily avoided!
Some up coming AWNY events to highlight: the ‘Working In the USA’ information session presented by Belinda Jackson is on the 14th of June. It provides expert advice for Aussie job seekers. Plus, the annual AWNY picnic is one for the whole family on the 24th of June in Central Park.
Photo credit: Helen McWilliams
Enjoy your June and the last few precious weeks of school before the endless school holidays!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 