18 Zoos and Aquariums Worthy of Your Donations

Rounding out the categories for animal-centered organizations worthy of your donations is zoos and aquariums. (Previously the top 79 animal rights, welfare, and service organizations and the top 24 wildlife conservation organizations were listed.) “Top” standings were derived by using ratings generated by Charity Navigator. Any zoo or aquarium that they gave four stars (their highest rating) to meant it passed mustard and made the list. The zoos and aquariums are listed in alphabetical order and are linked to their websites. In cases where the information was readily available, each zoos number of animals and acres is also listed. 1. … Continue reading

Family Time at the Zoo

What could be more fun for a family with young children than a trip to the zoo? My family is lucky that we live only a few miles from the Bronx Zoo. It makes it very convenient to visit the zoo for a couple of hours or an afternoon. In fact, my wife and I decided to become members of the zoo so that we wouldn’t feel obligated to make an all day excursion out of a trip to the zoo. One thing that I would suggest is that you only consider going to the zoo when your children are … Continue reading

Vacationing In The Bronx

We all know that it is home to a world-famous zoo, but did you know the Bronx has much more to offer than just a fabulous array of animals? Community leaders in the New York borough say the area has so much to offer it is worth packing up your family and spending an entire vacation there. Vacationing in the Bronx? It may not be such a far-fetched idea—-at least that’s what the creators of a series of new television commercials touting the borough’s image would like you to think. The campaign called “We’re Talking The Bronx” features 30-second spots, … Continue reading

Little People in the Big Apple: Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwartz

I had intended to write more about taking small children around in New York City but we were so busy. . .taking small children around. . .that I hadn’t quite gotten to it until now! In any case, my timing is good, because the holidays are upon us and that is an absolutely fantastic time to see New York City! If you have little travelers and you are visiting New York City soon. . .read on! I am giving you the insider’s scoop of not only the places to go. . .but where the nearest bathrooms are, the scoop on … Continue reading

A Family’s Tragic Loss

Most of us are familiar with the Biblical warning: “Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour.” But, how many of us really take the directive to heart? For parents, life often moves at warp speed and the chaos that underscores daily survival can be overwhelming at times. So much so that most of us tend to lose sight of the big picture. I am guilty as charged. However, yesterday’s horrific accident in which seven members from a single family–spanning three generations–died when their SUV plummeted off a highway and landed in the Bronx Zoo, provided a … Continue reading

Playing it Safe During Spring Break

This morning the Today show ran a piece on college co-eds prepping to go crazy on Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. The report focused on an American student who was brutally attacked while he lounged poolside at his Mexican hotel. Basically, it raised the issue of spring break, foreign travel and safety. Personally, Mexico is not exactly at the top of my family’s spring break destination list. You know, drug cartels and all. Of course, if you are not careful you can get hurt visiting your local children’s museum, though I doubt the injuries would be caused by masked men … Continue reading

Have a Merry New York Christmas

It’s been nearly eight years since I posed in front of New York’s most famous Christmas tree. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree serves as a seasonal centerpiece in the Big Apple during the holidays, but it’s just one of many, many highlights you will experience if you decide to spend December in NYC. Other must-visit holiday-themed attractions include: Soak in spectacular views of the city from 70 stories up at 30 Rock’s Top of the Rock observation deck. Kick your holiday season into gear by taking in a magical Christmas performance at Radio City Music Hall. Remember the true … Continue reading

Live Like Eloise

Pinky-pink, frou-frou loving girly girls have a new dream vacation destination: New York City. The city that never sleeps is the new home to a princess palace straight from the pages of Kay Thompson’s classic book “Eloise.” The flighty fictional literary heroine regularly turns the landmark Plaza Hotel upside down with her crazy antics, and now your little girl can do the same. Well, kind of. The Plaza Hotel just opened a suite created in Eloise’s honor with help from popular fashion designer Betsey Johnson. Eccentric Johnson let loose when creating the whimsical suite that costs $995 a night to … Continue reading

Budget-Friendly Summer Escapes in New York

Traveling to New York doesn’t have to be a budget buster. Families looking to explore the “Empire State” this summer have a host of wallet-friendly attractions to choose from. Whether you plan to stick closer to the heart of the Big Apple or you prefer to trek up north, the following fun destinations will bring a smile to your frugal face: CONEY ISLAND The legendary amusement park remains an inexpensive attraction for families from all walks of life. The Brooklyn-based theme park is served by several subway lines and is located right on the beach and boardwalk. Adding to Coney … Continue reading

Destinations for Daring Travelers

You don’t have to be daring to tour New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, unless you are a parent with a young child, who decides to visit the legendary art institute during a nude exhibition. Ironically, it’s not the naked models you have to worry about. Rather, it’s the perverted patrons, who are touching the nude performers that you’ll want to shield your kids’ eyes from. According to museum officials, more than a dozen visitors have been escorted out of the gallery after pushing, prodding, and poking nude performers. The performers are part of Marina Abramovic’s new exhibition highlighting … Continue reading