Whether you live here or are visiting, it’s easy to see that Boston is steeped in history. It’s everywhere you turn. So we thought it would be fun to round up some Boston trivia you might not know. Impress your friends and stump your kids with these little-known Boston facts. How many do you know?

Ogutier via Pixabay

1. We’re number one. Boston is home to lots of firsts. The city boasts the first public beach—Revere Beach in 1896, the first subway—Tremont Station in 1897 and the first public park—Boston Common. In 1634 Bostonians paid six schillings each in taxes to purchase William Blackstone’s farm, now Boston Common. Two other fun firsts include the first lighthouse on Little Brewster Island and the first formal fire department in 1679.

2. Record-setting heights. We’re sure your kids recognize the John Hancock Building along the city skyline. But do they know the building is also the site of the greatest grape catch in history? In 1988, Paul Tavilla caught a grape in his mouth that had fallen 788 vertical feet from the top of the building.

Andrea R. via Yelp

3. World’s biggest burglary. If you’ve visited the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum you and the kids have probably noticed the empty frames—evidence of 13 paintings stolen from the museum in 1990. Thieves posing as police officers cut them directly out of the frames, making the heist the largest property theft in the world! So what’s with the blank frames? Before Gardner’s death, she insisted that the museum remain exactly as she had arranged it—that means no replacement paintings or moving things around.

4. Bowled over. Candlepin bowling was first played in Worcester in 1880; the sport is a true Boston original. And families and friends have been rolling strikes and spares at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley since 1907, making it the second oldest candlepin alley in the U.S.

Karin Hansen

5. Don’t cry over this. The story behind the giant milk bottle outside of the Boston Children’s Museum is an interesting one. It was donated to the Boston Children’s Museum in 1977 when it sailed aboard a barge through Boston Harbor to what’s now Children’s Wharf. How much could it hold you ask? If it were real, the bottle could hold 58,620 gallons of milk.

6. A sticky situation. Next time the fam is in the North End neighborhood, tell your kids the story of the Great Molasses Flood that happened along Commercial Street, near Keany Square in January 1919. A 50-foot high tank, filled with molasses exploded unleashing the viscous substance, moving at 35 m.p.h., through the neighborhood streets. The giant wave crested at 25 feet high and left streets flooded with anywhere from two to three feet of syrupy mess.

Andrea R. via yelp

7. Nope, it’s not a pineapple. Although it may look like a pineapple, the gilded object on top of the Massachusetts State House is actually a wood pinecone. It symbolizes the importance of the lumber industry in the state during colonial times.

8. An H2O-mazing law. It may sound more like an urban legend than an actual law, but apparently this one’s still on the Boston books. In Boston, it’s illegal to go to bed without having a bath. Pull this one out and make your case the next time your kids need a little extra incentive at bath time.

Danielle D. via yelp

9. Play ball. You probably know that the Red Sox have played in 13 World Series and won nine titles. And that the Red Sox have a patent on the "Fenway Green" paint color. But not everyone knows about Fenway’s rooftop garden, Fenway Farms. Located on the third base side of the park, it was planted in 2015 and can produce over 6,000 pounds of organic produce each year.

10. What’s in a name. Boston goes by many names: Beantown, The Athens of America, even the Cradle of Liberty. But before it was any of these it was called Tremontaine by the Puritans.

—Allison Sutcliffe

Feature image: iStock

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Have you been considering learning sign language but wondering how you and your family might benefit? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Sign language can support development in many areas and here’s how:

1. Sign Language Helps to Solidify One’s Deaf Identity
Do you have a Deaf child or anyone in your family who is Deaf? American Sign Language (ASL) is used throughout North America, and the sign language for each country is an integral part of its unique Deaf community. There is a rich culture and history surrounding sign language and it is an essential component to developing one’s Deaf identity. Sign allows for language to be accessible to deaf children from birth, providing the opportunity for them to acquire language, engage in learning, develop supportive relationships, and socialize on par with their hearing peers.

2. Sign Language Can Help to Bridge Two Spoken Languages & Lead to Trilingualism
Are you already a bilingual family? Once you speak two languages, it’s easier to learn a 3rd—your brain is wired for it. Sign language can also aid in bridging two spoken languages: when your child hears one parent or family member say “milk” and another say “leche” and each one signs it (in ASL, for example), the same sign connects and provides consistent meaning to the two different words. Meanwhile, a 3rd language is acquired!

3. Sign Language Helps to Clarify Word Approximations & Expand Vocabulary, While Also Giving a Real Language to Children Who Don’t Develop Speech
Do you need clarification because you can’t understand what your child is trying to say? It’s possible that they’re using words you might not expect from a young child, and asking for sign clarification can help. If your child is looking at flowers but saying something like “ggog”, perhaps the sign for ‘pretty’ would let you know that they picked up your descriptive use of the word ‘gorgeous!’ Or maybe they are saying “bah” for many things—distinct signs can let you know if your child is referring to a book, or the bath, a banana, or a bird… and that way they’re expanding their overall language use through sign. Additionally, some hearing children with disabilities may not develop speech, and ASL (or the local sign language where you live) can be essential as their primary expressive language.

4. Sign Language Can Help to Strengthen Motor Coordination & Support Literacy Skills
While these two things seem to be quite separate, there’s more connection than one may think. Crawling requires cross-lateral coordination which strengthens overall brain development. This type of movement and practice helps to solidify eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness, among other skills that are required in reading. Left or right-hand dominance develops here as well, leading to comfort with writing. Also, fingerspelling allows for practice in fine motor skills while providing opportunities for spelling and reading to emerge.

5. Sign Language Can Connect People in a Conversation from a Distance
Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could communicate with a neighbor through your window? Or with your kids from across the playground? If more people, Deaf and hearing, used sign language this would be an option! When my kids got too far away from me at the playground and fell down, they would either sign or respond to me signing with things like ‘hurt’, or ‘ok’, or ‘help.’ Signing also allows for clear communication in a noisy subway or a quiet library, rows apart in a theatre, giving instructions in a swim lesson, and more.

So how do you get started? There are many online resources, but it’s important to make sure they are reliable. We recommend learning from Deaf teachers and from teachers who are credentialed in Deaf education or otherwise experienced in this area. At Baby Fingers we offer programs in person and online with Deaf and hearing teachers who are active in the Deaf community and can provide additional resources to families, children, and students of any age.

RELATED:
Baby Sign Language 101: Baby’s First Signs
This 6-Year-Old Inspired an Entire School to Learn Sign Language

Lora Heller is a music therapist, Deaf educator, and author of several sign language books for kids. She has also written for music therapy professional publications and national parenting magazines and is the on-line expert for various parenting programs including ParentsTV.com baby sign language video series. Lora founded Baby Fingers in 2000. www.mybabyfingers.com 

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

Don’t be a superhero, get the epidural by Cheri M. 

I had envisioned a spontaneous labor, where my water broke, unexpectedly, on the subway during my commute and my husband frantically drove us to the hospital. Instead, I was induced and given the date and time to go to the hospital. My OB broke my water, eight hours after I was given Cytotec. I had a lot of water, a lot. My OB kindly said “the anesthesiologist is available. Listen, every mom is a superhero, get the epidural.” I followed his advice. Eight hours later, 55 minutes of pushing, an episiotomy, my daughter was born. It happened perfectly.

The “fry guy” held my leg by Dawn T.

Eight years ago, I was 36 and he was 40. Old parents by many opinions. When her due date rolled around, it left just as quickly. A week overdue, I spent 4 days in the hospital hooked to a heart monitor, permitted to only drink apple juice. My husband threw a fry to me once. I was induced overnight, crapped on the delivery table with my mom holding one leg, and fry-guy holding the other. She arrived at 9:46 am and we’ve been on her clock ever since.

The patient with the longest labor time by Natalie H.

For my first birth, this past August, I was induced for 4 days before delivering my handsome son! It took me two days just to get to 3 cm dilated. The doctors and nurses tried every medicine and option that one could ever think of. Then, overnight, I was able to dilate from 3cm to 7cm and it took off from there. My doctor said that, in all of her years of practice, I became her patient with the longest labor time.

Induced with twins at 37 weeks by Amanda

When the doctor said to start calling at 6 am to check for available beds, you are showered and awake by 5 am ready to go! I was being induced with twins at 37 weeks, and little did I know they wouldn’t have a bed ready for me until later that evening. When I arrived I was not dilated at all, so I received cervadil and anxiously walked the halls with my also eager husband. The next day, still no progress, another round of cervadil was attempted. Sleeping with leg compressions was pretty difficult, as well as the limited food and drinks due to a possibility of a c-section. Finally on day 3, with the help of pitocin and many hour of pushing, I delivered our son. Thirty-six minutes later came our daughter. Along with their little brother, the twins continue to keep us on our toes ten years later!

Induction that ended in an emergency C-section by Courtney M. 

I was induced at thirty-three weeks. I labored for three days before finally having an emergency c-section due to fever. I had an infection. I gave birth to my handsome son. We spent five weeks in the NICU then got to go home.

Got a tree? Good. Now it’s time to decorate! Show some true NYC cred by decorating your tree with one of these NYC-inspired Christmas ornaments. Or, give one to your most hard core New Yorker friend. Another reason to love this collection of NYC Christmas ornaments? Most are from city cultural institutions or local makers, all of which need our support now more than ever! (Need more NYC gift ideas? Click here!)

The Blue Whale

American Museum of Natural History

You can now have the American Museum of Natural History's famous Blue Whale in the house thanks to this exclusive ornament from the museum. 

Get it here, $29.99

Piegon Ornament

MoMA Design Store

They're everywhere else. Why shouldn't NYC's official bird be on your tree? 

Get it here, $18.95

Modern Heroes

MoMA Design Store

The teacher, the doctor, the UPS worker and grocery store employee. NYC salutes—and thanks—you! 

Get them here, $45

Subway Car Ornament

NYC Transit Museum

There are many, many subway ornaments. We like this one best for overall quality, clear signage and festive wreath. 

Get it here, $24

Grand Central Ceiling Ornament

NYC Transit Museum

For the true transit nerd, an ornament featuring one of the constellations from Grand Central Terminal's ceiling is a pretty deep cut they'll appreciate. (And for the price, they should.)

Get it here, $45

Pickle Ornament

Awesome Brooklyn

No pickles are not an exclusively NYC thing, but we do have a long history with them, and a pickle festival. Plus: this is really cute, and good luck! 

Get it here, $10

The NYC Basics Collection

Museum of the City of New York

Buy one, buy them all. This is the NYC-lover starter pack! 

Get them here, $6.95 each

Black and White Cookie Ornament

Museum of the City of New York

Why isn't this in the collection above? We don't know. But it should be in yours. 

Get it here, $11.95

High Line Ornament

Amazon

Granted, it's a little abstract, but so was the concept of the High Line when it was first introduced. Valerie Atkisson is the artist. (Also: who else do you know with a High Line ornament?) 

Get it here, $26.99

Matzo Ball Soup Ornament

Museum of the City of New York

For the Jew invited to the tree trimming, the interfaith household, or just anyone who loves a good soup! (i.e., everyone.)

Get it here, $14.95

NYC Felt Ornament Collection

Craftspring

When has a collection of ornaments ever made you say "Awwwwww!"? Not only is this off-the-charts cute, it has a Santa. Wearing an I Love NY t-shirt. Holding a piece of pizza. 

Get them here, $136

Alexander Hamilton Ornament

National Archives

Surely, you know a kid (or five) who might like the founding father rendered in green with gold trim? 

Get it here, $19.95

Mets Players

bruhno24 via Etsy

Mets fans, rejoice! You can get a custom made ornament of your fave player. Options include Tom Seaver, Gary Carter, Doc Gooden and Howard Johnson. 

Get one here, $13

Brownstone Ornament

micolceramics

Which one of your Brooklyn friends needs this? (Or how many?) 

Get it here, $35

Chinese Takeout Ornament

NYC Webstore

There's a lot going on here with this ornament, and we like it. 

Get it here, $9.99

Hudson Yards & Vessel Ornament

The Shops at Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards and Thomas Heatherwick's Vessel can now be displayed on your tree! 

Get it for $30 at the Vessel Shop (Public Square and Gardens) and the Beyond the Edge store (20 Hudson Yards, Level 4).

Online: hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Pizza Wagon Ornament

BrooklynLish

Your friend, who takes pizza very seriously, will love you for this.

Get it here, $9.99

Anna Wintour Ornament

Amazon

Sure she's from the UK, but Anna belongs on an NYC tree, if only to help you with that quarantine 15. 

Get it here, $23.85

Custom Wood NYC Map Ornament

Easton Woodworks via Etsy

This cherry wood ornament doubles as a keepsake and is a great gift idea. Choose from three of the boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens or NYC Metro, in addition to adding your own details like family name.

Get one here, $46.

––Mimi O’Connor

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Three kids in the fastest city in the world isn’t a big thing if you’re well equipped. I love taking the kids places from early morning jogs, to three kids on the MTA, ferry rides to Brooklyn or throwing a stroller in the back of a cab I’ve rounded up the best gear for city traveling.

Best Carrier for NYC Moms

1. Baby Carrier: ArtipoppeThis is the most comfortable carrier for running around the city. Not only is it beautiful and makes you feel pretty postpartum it is the only carrier I’ve used for hours on end that doesn’t hurt my back.

Cost: $342

2. Travel Stroller: Uppababy Minu
This stroller is my favorite grabbing the kids to go for a city adventure. It’s easy to fold up for the back of cab or carry up and down subway stairs and it handles the city streets well even down on the cobblestone in the Meat Packing District.  Costs: $399.99

3. Wagon Stroller: Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon

Every city mom needs a wagon for neighborhood adventures. When you’re staying close to home and don’t have to worry about subway stairs this wagon is the best for throwing all the kids in and heading to the farmer’s market.  Price: $299.99

4. Jogging Stroller: Bob Alterrain Pro 
If you’re a jogger and live in NYC you’re in luck because you get some of the best views of the world right on your workout.  Price: $599.99 5. Best Double Stroller: Evenflo Baby Gold Pivot Expand Double strollers in the city can be tricky. Any parent rocking a side by side version is sure to be a tourist. The evenflo gold is perfect for boardwalk days in Coney Island navigating the busy streets.  Price: $499.99

👦🏼👧🏼👶🏼 Mom to Huck, Gigi and Goldie 👩🏼‍💻 Head of Product Growth @tinybeanskids & @redtricycle 🏙 Urban Mom @gugu_guru 🍷The Mom Somm @parents

One of the coolest things about being a kid in New York City is that you get to see your home town in all kinds of art. That of course includes books, and there is no shortage of children’s books about NYC. But some are better than others, and some are flat-out must-reads. (Many, for kids wherever they live! See #1 on our list.) We polled NYC booksellers, fellow parents and threw in our own two cents to arrive at this list of the best children’s books about New York City, with picks for the tiniest of readers to bigger kids. May we suggest heading to one of our favorite NYC independent bookstores for kids to pick some up?

The Snowy Day

Viking Press

It's a classic for a reason. (Also the New York Public Library's most borrowed book, btw.) Brooklyn native Ezra Jack Keats' ode to a snowy day in the city won the Caldecott Medal in 1963, and is credited with breaking the color barrier in children's literature. You can get it in many forms, including a board book to get your baby started on the right foot. 

Ages: Two and up

Mr. Boddington's Studio: NYC ABCs

From the Brooklyn stationary store, Mr. Boddington's Studio comes a beautiful board book for your early learner. Discover NYC's nooks and crannies from A to Z, with iconic landmarks like Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center and Yellow taxis all making an appearance. 

Ages: 2-5

Subway

Harper Collins

Gina Verdi, Children & Family Events Specialist at The Astoria Bookshop dubs this one "The book for every young subway enthusiast. It's a delight to read out loud every single time, especially if you make the sound effects that go along with the story." Follow along as a father and two kids (drawn as subway stick figures) ride the rails on a rainy day and explore the greatest subway system on Earth (delays and all). 

Ages: Two to five 

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Mimi O'Connor

Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny series is so popular there's literally a statue of its central character at a Park Slope Library. Set in the Brownstone Brooklyn neighborhood (the author's former stomping ground) and featuring actual photos of the area as backgrounds, Knuffle Bunny features the bond between a girl and her stuffie, and a ill-fated trip to the urban setting of a laundromat. (Knuffle Bunny Too brings more of the same, with Grand Army Plaza making a star appearance in a pivotal scene.) 

Ages: three to five 

The House on East 88th Street

HMH Books for Young Readers

The first in author Bernard Waber's popular Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series, this 1962 story tells the tale of how the Primm family found a crocodile in the bathtub of their new house. It's easy to see why kids have loved it for decades. 

Ages: Four to seven 

Last Stop on Market Street

Mimi O'Connor

Winner of so many awards (including a Newberry Medal) and a New York Times best-seller, Last Stop on Market Street follows CJ and his Nana on a bus ride through the city. Along the way, Nana teaches CJ a thing or two about observing beauty in the world. With words by Matt de la Peña and pictures by Christian Robinson, this book is lauded for its ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity. 

Ages: Three to five 

Bodega Cat

POW! Kids Books

This book celebrates a New York City staple, the bodega cat (as well as the shops themselves, and the people who run them). Bodega Cat follows feline Chip throughout his day in the Matos family's store, with his duties including working the breakfast rush, receiving deliveries, chasing pigeons and napping on a bag of potato chips. 

Ages: Three to five

Subway Sparrow

Square Fish

With the subway central to any New York kids' life—and so many train-crazy kids out there—this list would not be complete without a few titles that include the transit system. (We've included many!) The Astoria Bookshop's Verdi loves Subway Sparrow, describing it as "a 'only in NYC' story of how a group of people who cannot speak each others' languages work together to rescue a sparrow.  The book itself is in English, Spanish, and Polish." The book will provide an added thrill for D train riders; the sparrow hops on at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. 

Ages: Four to eight

The Secret Subway

Scwartz & Wade

This book has a one-two punch of a great story and spectacular visuals. The Secret Subway tells the true tale of Alfred Ely Beach's attempt to create the first New York City subway in 1870; art from Red Nose Studios brings the incredible story to life with gorgeous art.  

Ages: Four to eight

The Curious Garden

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Published the same year The Highline opened, The Curious Garden tells the story of Liam, a boy living in a grey and dreary city who decides to cultivate a garden on some abandoned, elevated train tracks. Verdi likes this title in part because of its key message of patience, as well as the importance of making nature an integral part of the urban landscape. "In his author note, Peter Brown asks, 'What would happen if an entire city decided to truly cooperate with nature?' Since he penned The Curious Garden, the High Line on the west side of Manhattan has grown by leaps and bounds and is a one-of-a-kind experience," she says. 

Ages: Four to eight

Little Elliot, Big City

Holt Books for Young Readers

The Little Elliot book that started it all, Little Elliot, Big City, pairs a charming story of a small cupcake-loving, polka-dotted elephant living in NYC with lovely illustrations of the city circa 1940. Being so small, Elliot can sometimes feel overwhelmed in his town; that changes when he makes a new friend, a tiny mouse. 

Ages: Four to eight 

Subway Story

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Books are Magic's Children's Book Manager Abby Rauscher recommends Subway Story, which is not only transit-inspired, but also weaves in history and environmentalism. Main character Jessie, a shiny new subway ferries people to the New York World's Fair in the 60s, has many adventures zipping along the rails for decades, and eventually begins a second "career" as part of an artificial reef in the ocean. 

Ages: Five to eight

How Little Lori Visited Times Square

Harper Collins

Legendary illustrator Maurice Sendak and Amos Vogel teamed up in 1963 to create this silly story that follows Little Lori as he attempts to get to Times Square. (It was out of print for many years, but happily, it returned.) Many wrong turns and modes of transport are taken, but eventually, with some help,  he reaches his destination. 

Ages: Four to eight 

All Are Welcome

Mimi O'Connor

A charming picture book that celebrates diversity, inclusion and community, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman features kids of all kinds learning, playing and celebrating. NYC kids will recognize themselves and the character of their city, brownstones, taxi cabs, chain link fences and all. (Psst! We have it on good authority that the school featured is PS 130 in Kensington, Brooklyn.) 

Ages: Four to eight

Tar Beach

Crown Books for Young Readers

A pick from Gina Verdi, Children and Family Event Specialist at The Astoria Bookshop, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold features Harlem and the George Washington Bridge. "It is a classic New York City tale told by a Harlem artist that still inspires young readers to use their imagination and fly. It's a work of historical fiction, yet the characters seem real and give us hope while reminding us that we still need to learn about our city's past," she says.  P.S. there's a story quilt by Ringgold with the same title at the Guggenheim Museum! 

Ages: Five to eight

Her Right Foot

Chronicle Books

Popular author of books for adults Dave Eggers weaves a tale with Lady Liberty at the center, touching on topics of history, identity, immigration, tolerance and patriotism. Illustrations by Shawn Harris give the book a modern and fresh look. 

Ages: Six to nine

Eloise

Mimi O'Connor

Another kids' book inextricably linked to New York City, Eloise features it titular character living it up, however she pleases, at the Plaza Hotel. With iconic illustrations by Hillary Knight, the book is a celebration of sassy little New Yorkers, and kids everywhere. 

Ages: Six to nine 

This is New York

Universe

Miroslav Sasek's 1960 children's book looks ultra modern and chic even though it was created 50 years ago. Both informative and evocative, the book tours the city, visiting numerous landmarks (the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the American Museum of Natural History), as well as observing the signs of city life. (Case in point: Windows full of air conditioners during New York City summer.) 

Ages: Seven and up

If You Lived 100 Years Ago

Scholastic

Fascinating, fun, and of course, educational, Ann Mcgovern's trip back in time to turn-of-the-century New York City shows kids a very different New York City, one with no cars, lots of bicycles, child labor and cramped quarters and schools. The book looks at how rich and poor lived, ate, worked, and had fun through more than 50 questions. 


Ages: Seven to 10

The Great New York Subway Map

New York Transit Museum/MoMA

If you're a design-nerd, you might want to pick this one up for yourself. Published by the Museum of Modern Art in cooperation with the New York Transit Museum, this super chic book celebrates Italian designer Massimo Vignelli's iconic 1972 map of the subway system. Along with telling the story of its creation, the book introduces the idea that graphic design can solve problems and shape our world. 

Ages: Seven to 10

Harriet the Spy

Penguin Random House

Harriet is another little girl in NYC who wormed her way into the hearts of many a reader over several decades. (For example, this, from Jonathan Franzen: “I don’t know of a better novel about the costs and rewards of being a truth teller, nor of any book that made more readers of my generation want to become fiction writers.") Follow along as Upper East Sider Harriet chronicles her world, and ends up in hot water with her friends when her musings are revealed. 

Ages: Eight to 12

—Mimi O’Connor

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I know from my own experience as a parent with young children that the costs of a night out plus paying the sitter can sometimes make even the briefest outing… out of financial reach. So I’m not surprised when parents ask questions relating to compensation for the occasional babysitter. What is the going hourly rate? Should one tip? What about providing meals and snacks? Should you provide access to Netflix, etc…?

As it turns out, I was just in the position of hiring a babysitter for my granddaughter, so I had recently pondered some of these same queries myself.

It appears that compensation varies from community to community, and you can get a good idea about the going hourly rate by asking around. The best practice is to inquire directly with the sitter about rates before booking. Rounding up to the nearest hour seems to be a common practice, whereas tipping is not. In our case, we knew that the sitter had traveled at least 45 minutes on the NYC subway in each direction, so we factored her nearly two hours of travel time into her compensation.

Of course, if your sitter pitches in to do a major clean-up or takes on some other household tasks, or if they are called upon to stay much longer than initially planned, they deserve additional compensation beyond their hourly wage.

I can’t stand the idea of not sharing food—when it seems that I always have way more than I need—so I usually encourage sitters to help themselves. However, that is an individual thing and may depend on the hours that the sitter is in your home. For example, a caregiver who is there from four until ten should be provided with dinner.

As someone who started babysitting as soon as I hit the double digits, age-wise, I have a great appreciation for the profession.

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

NYC may have a reputation for being pricey, but figuring out where to stay doesn’t have to break the bank. Cheap NYC hotels do exist! We’ve rounded up some of the best NYC affordable hotel deals for families visiting or even for locals looking to up their staycation game on a budget. If you’re planning a trip with the kids to the Big Apple, check out these budget and affordable hotels.

Skyline Hotel

iStock

One of the main things to consider in booking a hotel in NYC is location. Proximity to the subway is key, and staying in or close to Times Square gives you access to the entire city via subway. The Skyline Hotel, located in Hell’s Kitchen (don’t let the name scare you) is definitely one to check out. With an indoor rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi for up to three devices, and even a pet friendly policy, they have all of the members of the family covered.

725 10th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212-586-3400
Online: skylinehotelny.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
Skyline Hotel cost: average $200 per night

Travel Inn

Mark Hougaard Jensen

Located near the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, but still relatively close to Times Square is the Travel Inn. Boasting a pool and concierge, it’s a great option for families looking to make the most of their stay on a budget.

515 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
212-695-7171
Online: travelinnhotel.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon.
Travel Inn cost: average $175 per night

Freehand NY

Adrian Gaut

Two words: bunk beds. This affordable hotel based in NYC’s artistic Flatiron District is everything cool, laid back, unique, and yes, they offer rooms with bunk beds. Closer to sights like the Empire State Building and the Highline, and with an on-site game room, it’s a great option for families looking to branch out of the Times Square area. Plus, they’re pet friendly, too!

23 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10010
212-475-1920
Online: freehandhotels.com/new-york
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon
Freehand NY cost: average $280 per night for bunk bed rooms

The Belvedere

Courtesy of The Belvedere Hotel

This classic NYC hotel with art deco features is perfect for families interested in the history of NYC with a modern edge. The Belvedere opened its doors in 1923 and has remained an impressive presence in Midtown. Every room has a kitchenette! Be sure to ask the concierge about the Broadway & entertainment ticket reservations they have available.

319 W 48th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-245-7000
Online: belvederehotelnyc.com
Hours: check in at 4 p.m., check out by noon
The Belvedere cost: average $200 per night with a best rate guarantee

Jewel Facing Rock Center

Anders Ruff Custom Designs

This NYC hotel deal is a real gem. The Jewel Hotel’s centralized location puts it walking distance from tourist faves like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock, and Radio City Music Hall. Plus they offer an American Girl Place New York Getaway package which includes a bed, robe, and slippers just for an American Girl Doll.

11 W 51st St.
New York, NY 10019
212-863-0550
Online: thejewelny.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon
Jewel Facing Rock Center cost: average $265 per night

The Sohotel

Courtesy of The Sohotel

When you think of cheap NYC hotels you probably don’t think of the words stylish or edgy, but the Sohotel is that and more. Have a larger family? Avoid booking two rooms out of necessity by snagging a Standard or Deluxe family room here. Both types of rooms sleep five. And you’re located in one of the trendiest parts of NYC. Can’t beat that!

341 Broome St.
New York, NY 10013
212-226-1482
Online: thesohotel.com
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
The Sohotel cost: average $175 per night

The Holiday Inn Express

iStock

Simple, no frills, and convenient are the best words to describe The Holiday Inn Express. It’s newly renovated, and close to Times Square. And a bonus: they offer a complimentary breakfast buffet for those looking to save a few dollars on breakfast.

343 W 39th St.
New York, NY 10018
212-239-1222
Online: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/new-york/nycws/hoteldetail
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
The Holiday Inn Express cost: average $175 per night

Gansevoort Meatpacking

D. Mitchell

Budget does not mean basic, especially at the Gansevoort. Luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, and free Wi-Fi property wide are just some of the reasons to consider booking your stay here. But the best part? Gansevoort Baby—where they offer cribs, pack & plays, diapers, and more—all for free. Oh, and they’re pet friendly, too!

18 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10014
212-206-6700
Online: gansevoorthotelgroup.com/hotels/gansevoort-meatpacking-nyc/
Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m.
Gansevoort Meatpacking cost: average $280 per night

Travel tips

iStock

Look for discounts through travel partners like AAA.

Hotel loyalty programs often offer incentives like free Wi-Fi or amenity credits.

Book in advance for discounted room rates or packages.

Be flexible! Research hotel room rates to find the best time of year to travel within your budget.

—–Jesseca Stenson

featured image: iStock 

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This summer is jam-packed with exciting family movies, starting with Disney’s Aladdin. With all those movies on your summer to-do list, the costs can quickly add up, but luckily Subway is offering a way to save some money.

Right now at participating Subway locations, you can score a free kids ticket to see Aladdin in theaters when you purchase a Subway Fresh Fit for Kids Meal. The meal comes packed with a Fandango Promo Code which covers the ticket price and convenience fee up to $11.

photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

The promo is available at Subway now through Jun. 26 while supplies last. The Fandango codes expire on Jul. 2 or when Aladdin is no longer in theaters, whichever comes first.

Aladdin kicks off the summer of family movies when it hits theaters on May 24.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

 

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While an ever-expanding list of Amazon prime customers are privy to Whole Foods sent straight to their homes, Trader Joe’s delivery is sadly going the way of the dinosaurs.

If you’re saying, “What? Trader Joe’s delivers? How did I not know about this?” you aren’t alone. TJs customers who live anywhere other than NYC probably never knew about this magical perk. After all, carting home bags of totally tasty Trader Joe’s fare on the subway isn’t exactly easy.

For the past decade metropolitan New York City customers have had a home delivery option. But now the grocery retailer is finding that the program isn’t cost-sustainable. According to TJs rep Kenya Friend-Daniel, in a statement to Business Insider, “Instead of passing along unsustainable cost increases to our customers, removing delivery will allow us to continue offering outstanding values — quality products for great everyday prices, and to make better use of valuable space in our stores.”

Unlike other large grocery and retail chains, Trader Joe’s does not (and doesn’t plan to) participate in third-party delivery services. Sorry NYC customers, as of Mar. 1 your deliver glory days are over.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Mike  Mozart via Flickr

 

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