They’ll always be your kids’ favorite, so make sure they know it with these gifts for cool aunts & uncles
Maybe they have kids of their own; maybe they don’t. Either way, our own siblings always seem to end up being our kiddos’ favorite people on the planet. They’re just so much cooler than us, right? Younger, older, near, or far, it doesn’t matter. Aunts and uncles are where it’s at as far as our little ones are concerned, and we suspect (no, we know) that their adoration of their nieces and nephews knows no bounds, obviously. Even if they won’t admit it to us. So we’re on a mission to show them what they mean to us and to our kids with these gifts for aunts and uncles!
No matter what kind of aunt or uncle they are, we’ve found them something great. We’ve also made sure to include goodies that not only show them that we love them, but also that we know they’re a little more fun than we are (at least according to little eyes!). Our guide to gifts for aunts and uncles is going to be your go-to when you’re searching for something perfect.
Etched Can Glass
You've probably seen these distinct can-shaped glasses all over Instagram, with with VistaPrint's etching options, you can hook them up with an on-trend and personalized gift that's ideal for iced coffee, lemon water, brews—anything they like sipping on!
Everyone loves the classic Letterfolk Tile Mat, since you can customize them however you want. We assume your kids' aunt or uncle will want to go ahead and officially label their house the "fun house", right?
15% Off with Code TINY15—Valid 10/20 through 12/31
All the benefits of a full bar in one coffee-maker-inspired machine! Mixer capsules combine with vodka, tequila, whiskey, gin/rum, and water from one of the tempered glass containers designed for your spirits to create easy cocktails in a snap.
When little ones go to Aunt Favorite and Uncle Favorite's house for a sleepover, or even just an afternoon out on the town! Dreambaby® Grab 'N Go booster is a perfect gift for on-the-go families. It’s great for having little ones at the dining table without needing to keep a highchair on hand for little visitors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
After several years of speculation, Disney Channel’s first animated original series, The Proud Family, made an official comeback this past February. Ever since, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder has been a hit on Disney+.
As early as Apr. 2022, Disney announced Penny, Oscar and Suga Mama would already be returning for a second season, with the show already in production! Now we are getting more details on just what to expect when the Prouds make their comeback.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 Trailer
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Cast
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder brings back all the original characters and the actors who voiced them all. That includes Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy, Jo Marie Payton as Suga Mama and Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby Proud. Viewers were also introduced to new characters in the first season, including Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, voiced by Keke Palmer and Randall, voiced by Billy Porter.
Season two is bringing in tons of special guests like R&B artist Normani, Gabrielle Union, Olympic gymnasts Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, and Laurie Hernandez, Chance The Rapper Hamilton’s Leslie Odom Jr., Jane Lynch, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Anthony Anderson, Courtney B. Vance, and Liana Mendoza.
Disney+
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 Plot
The trailer gives away some topics that the Prouds will navigate in season two. Among them are Suga Mama’s sleep apnea machine, a Disney princess party, and a protest for justice.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 2 Release Date
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder season two will debut on Disney+ sometime in Feb. 2023. While that’s still five months away, you can spend the time catching up on all the original episodes on the streaming service now, plus season one.
This summer, I described my son, who is thirteen, as splitting his time between Billie Eilish and the L.A. Dodgers—a typical L.A., young teen existence. If you’re in the same boat, you can probably relate—except that my son, Noah, was born with a genetic condition that comes with a cascade of medical, educational and social complications.
When Noah was born, there was so much we didn’t know. There’s no road map for most of us when we learn about a child’s disability for the first time, whether it’s something that’s commonly understood, or something rare and complicated like Noah’s, which presents a lot like cerebral palsy.
Since our journey with Noah began, we’ve experienced a lot of the frustrations common to parents of young children with disabilities, along with many moments of joy. We’ve met other families and learned that we share common experiences—the fractured nature of support and resources, and the frustrating dead-ends and U-turns that come with trying to access those resources, services, reimbursement, and yes, fun, too.
Staying grounded, reaching out to the community to find other families like yours, and paying it forward when you do are all good guidance, but sometimes it’s really hard to follow that advice when you most need it. The cycles of grief that can accompany parenting a child with a disability are completely normal and necessary—that’s one of the most important things I’ve learned in my journey as a parent, and I owe most of that to Diane Simon Smith, a mother of two boys with disabilities who has practiced marriage and family therapy for more than twenty-three years.
Diane’s guidance on going through the grieving process has had a big impact on me in this season of life as Noah’s dad. As Diane told me and a group of other parents recently, it’s necessary to sit with the emotion that comes with grief. Then, when we’re ready, try to picture a landscape that incorporates that emotion and start building a new future, one brick at a time.
Noah is now at the age when it’s time to start preparing for his Bar Mitzvah celebration. Thinking about how different it will be for him and our family has triggered a whole new cycle of grief for me, and served as yet another reminder that so many things aren’t typical for Noah. He won’t have the kind of ceremony that his mother and uncle did when they turned thirteen. Sadness overwhelms me every time I think about that. So I do my best to sit with the emotion. Then, taking Diane’s advice, I think about all that’s possible in building a Bar Mitzvah with Noah that’s not typical. And with that first brick, I see a future that fills me with joy.
As we engage with the Rabbi, Noah, and his family to prepare for Noah’s big day, we’ve all been reminded of the core purpose of this ceremony. The essential idea is to establish that Noah is ready to be a part of the community, and the community is ready to receive him as a fully-fledged member. Typically, the person does intensive studying in preparation to perform a Torah reading during the service. But we are taking a not-so-typical approach so that Noah can bring his whole self to the service through his strengths and loves. As with everything in Noah’s life, music will be everywhere. We are still working on which Billie Eilish song is most appropriate based on his portion of the Torah, but he will be rocking his eye-gaze device to let us know. And in doing so, he is opening the eyes of his family, his Rabbi, and the broader congregation to a new way of seeing this rite of passage. One that doesn’t feel rote, and reinvigorates a sense of a person’s responsibility to his community and the community to him.
Learning from experts, other families that share our experiences, and our children helps us as parents to not only cope, but heal and thrive. That’s one of the biggest motivators for me when it comes to supporting other families raising kids with disabilities—the idea that we can accomplish so much more when we work together.
When Jason Lehmbeck's son, Noah, was born with a genetic condition, he pivot his serial technology entrepreneur experience into his new mission: Undivided, a technology platform to help parents of kids with disabilities live their best lives.
Fans of Clifford The Big Red Dog books rejoice—this lovable pup is coming to the big screen (with extra-large paws, of course). Based on the beloved children’s book series, Clifford’s latest hilarious escapades take place in New York City. When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth meets a magical animal rescuer, he gifts her a small, red puppy. But overnight, the dog transforms into a giant ten-foot hound—not ideal in a tiny NYC apartment! While her single mom is away for business, Emily Elizabeth and her fun uncle Casey get involved in edge-of-your-seat adventures. Here’s why your family will want to go along for the ride!
Emily Elizabeth wishes for her dog to be big and strong. Poof! That’s actually what he becomes. While your child won’t be able to transform the family pet, this sweet movie reminds us to believe in something bigger than ourselves, because possibilities are endless when you have a big heart. From showing kindness to strangers in the community to being a good friend—Clifford proves there is magic that comes from loving big.
Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone Is Rewarding
Emily Elizabeth sometimes feels like an outsider. But Clifford is so full of love, he makes her feel like she can do anything. Kids will feel inspired by seeing Emily Elizabeth tap into her inner courage to stand up for her dog when a scientist tries to claim him as his own. From trying a new activity to speaking up, being brave and embracing our differences leads to good things!
Dogs Have a Way of Capturing Our Hearts
Kids (and kids at heart) will relate to the unconditional love and loyalty exchanged between a young girl and her dog. Clifford certainly has a way of “growing” on Emily Elizabeth, just like our treasured pets do for us. (If your kids have been begging for a dog… the Clifford movie just may help their case!)
This playful story will delight audiences of all ages with its themes of loyalty, friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of loving big. Parents will appreciate the movie’s awesome cast including, Darby Camp, Jack Whitehall, Tony Hale, David Alan Grier, Kenan Thompson, Rosie Perez, Paul Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory and John Cleese.
It’s finally fall, ya’ll, and that means there is a bushel of corn-fusing fun to be had at a local corn maze. From Peter Pan-themed to delightfully spooky, there’s a bumper crop of corn mazes near Atlanta. Lend an ear and we’ll tell you where to go.
As the name suggest, there is an excellent corn maze to be found at The Buford Corn Maze. Older kiddos may want to do the corn maze, but if you're taking littles, there's a lot of walking. If they're not up to the job, you can opt for the playground or bounce house, which are free with admission. Look for pony rides, face painting and karaoke too.
The Details: Admission is $16 for the corn maze and includes the hayride. Mon.-Th. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. from 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
The name Sleepy Hallow conjures up images of hayrides, Halloween and crisp fall nights, but this Sleepy Hallow got its start thirty years ago as a family owned Christmas tree farm (read about their cool history here). What started as a Christmas tradition has grown into a fall tradition for families throughout the Atlanta area. Aside from the main attraction: the tractor ride, kiddos will love the corn maze, a pumpkin patch and farm animal feeding.
The Details: $12 per person, 2 and under free with purchase of adult ticket. Includes wagon rides, corn maze, farm animals & kid zone, and pumpkin patch (pumpkins sold separately). From Sep. 24–Oct. 31, Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Just north of Atlanta in Milton, you’ll find Scottsdale Farms, a 55-acre family owned Garden Center and Cafe. The first 4 weeks in October from Thursday-Sunday you'll find a Family Fun Field, complete with a corn maze and hayride for all ages, lawn games, and a Sunflower Field. They also have a plethora of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes in all varieties if you need to stock up.
The Details: Thurs.-Sun. from 3-6 p.m. in Oct., $7/per person or maximum of $25/per family, Children 2 and under are free
With a maze spread over 12 acres with 4 miles of trails, you can get as corny as you want at Uncle Shucks. Don’t worry, there are exits throughout the maze so you’re sure to make it out alive, and if the littles just aren’t big enough to understand the thrill of the corn maze, you can amaze them with the corn cannon, mini maze (made out of hay bales for optimum visibility), pumpkin patch, and pony rides. On Friday and Saturday nights in October, brave the horror that is The Dark Rows, an unique haunted trail through some of the most twisted trails of our corn field!
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Sep. 11 – Nov 14, 2021
October Hours: Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun. to Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekends in November Price: Corn maze $15, Haunted Maze $20, Combo $25 per person
Southern Belle Farm's corn maze stretches over 4 acres, and offers bonus fall fun in the form of hayrides, a cow train, pig races, corn boxes, and a pumpkin patch. Can’t make it to the fair this year? You can pick up a corn dog or funnel cake to restore the energy that the corn maze zaps from you! Go for the corn maze, leave with your fall bucket list completely checked.
Hours: Through Oct.29, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m., Weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 29th Price: $11.95 on weekdays, $16.95 on weekends
Famous for its eight-acre corn maze (as well as the Kiddie Maze), the littles will also love the pumpkin train, pony rides, hayrides, and duck races that Jaemor Farms offers in October and the first weekend of November. Need to pick up some pumpkins? No need to make an additional stop. After conquering the corn maze and the other fall activities at Jaemor Farms, you can mosey on over to the pumpkin farm, where all shapes and sizes await your selection. Bring your camera.
Hours: Mondays-Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays: 1 to 7 p.m. Price: $14 per person ages 3 & up
Take one corn maze, add an inflatable bouncing pillow and some friendly farm animals, and sprinkle in some gem mining. Yields one day of fantastic fall fun, and one carload of exhausted kiddos on the trek home. Cagle’s is a working farm with a wild side during the fall. Don’t forget to pick up some of their fresh milk at the dairy, and if you’ve got night owls, go for the bonfire hayride, which begin as early as 6:00 p.m.
Hours: Through Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. nights in Oct. until 10 p.m. Price: Activities range from free to $25
The day after Labor Day, as I swaddled Uncle Sam in bubble wrap and folded the red-white and blue buntings from the porch posts, stuffing them into the blue bin along with the patriotic wreath from the front door, I began to dread Christmas. I am in the blank period, one of the rare months of the year when my mantles are bare with no holiday decorations popping with color against white and cream walls.
Only January and September really, is when my house feels void of celebration, more so perhaps now, as my sons’ boxes and bins fill his room where once there was a train table. He is ready to go back to college after the longest Spring Break ever. Last year he came home in March and never left. For a time, that was literal. Our family of four never stepped beyond the white fence that separates the rose bushes from the sidewalk and there, in the front yard, we played corn hole nightly, waving at neighbors who crossed to the other side of the street in their masks, less the potential COVID-filled spittle from our cheerful hellos drift on the spring breeze through their K-95s. Weeks drifted into months and I couldn’t believe we were still holed up in the house when I took out the box of patriotic holiday decorations in May of 2020, then put it back in September, still waving at masked neighbors from 30 feet away. I bought a Halloween-themed facemask. Then I got a Christmas one of pinecones dotted with glitter.
Ours has long been a Christmas house. I have a dozen bins of decorations that I’ve treasured for decades. We’ve hosted an annual Christmas Eve party for as many as 80 people over the years. More recently it has been more like 30-40, as friends have moved to new cities or on to new traditions within their clans. But last year it was just us four. I decorated as usual, trying to bring some semblance of magic to the 28 walls that enclosed us for 9 months, a gestation period that gave birth to nothing but fear in my mind, and, perhaps an ulcer housed somewhere near my womb. And there we all sat on the couch, eating cookies, listening to Christmas music and watching Rudolph. It was lovely in a way. It was just about us, and the love for my most treasured people in the world. It was easier, less stressful, at least if you didn’t think about overflowing ICUs or the coming election. But it was also lonely. Hosting has long inspired me: a reason to cook, to shop, to wrap, to sprinkle my pixie dust on every surface. An excuse not to dust those garland-covered shelves and nooks of books. But as I boxed up those 12 bins of Santas and stockings and lighted branches of plastic pine and holly, I felt so unseen. Suddenly the three other people who were always underfoot weren’t. My efforts to create magic must indeed be magical to them because they are rarely around when what goes up comes down.
Last week, as I put away my blatant patriotism, wondering all the while if I even feel patriotic in this era of acerbic division, I am dreading finding my glittery pinecone facemask atop the boxes of gold and red ornaments. I dread wearing it to the grocery store along with my festive “Merry and Bright” sweater, knowing we may not have our party this year either. My sister and her family have moved to Montana. My husband’s siblings have refused to get vaccinated. Perhaps we’ll never have the party again now that our friends and family have learned that they can make alternate plans.
My son moves out next week. He’s taking with him the surfboards and guitars, the lamp and the desk chair along with the collages of photos of his friends that color his room like a ceaseless celebration. The boxes and bins of his life will be stored in another place as I say goodbye not just to him, but to his things.
Surely his homecomings for Thanksgiving and Christmas will inspire me to decorate. Surely the boxes of pumpkins and leaves and pinecone strands entwined with ribbon still have a place in my nest without birds? Please tell me I am not too old and tired to keep making magic. Please tell me that one of the losses from this pandemic is not the loss of my holiday spirit. Tell me that the love expressed through all our traditions and the memories of a childhood of celebrations are so expansive they can’t fit into any box.
Suzanne Weerts is a producer, writer and storyteller who (pre-pandemic) shared tales from her life on stages across Southern California. Lately she's been indulging in way too much wine and chocolate while trying to change the world in conversations with friends on Zoom.
We are closer than ever to finally watching the first-ever Halloween movie for the Muppets! In celebration of the upcoming film, Muppets Haunted Mansion that debuts on Disney+ this fall, Disney+ shared some new pics that are getting us excited.
The photos show Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Pepe the Prawn all dressed up and ready to party!
Sure to be both hilarious and haunting, the movie focuses on a kid favorite, Gonzo. He’s challenged to spend one long night in the creepiest place on Earth, The Haunted Mansion.
The special will feature more of the Muppets cast, celebrity cameos, brand-new music and entertainment for the whole family. Right now, there is no official release date, but we’re hoping it comes soon!
If you’re visiting the park this fall, you can check out an After Hours Boo Bash that begins select evenings when the park closes. You can join Uncle Deadly now in a self-guided interactive tour of the most mystifying Disney Parks attractions around the world. There’s even a “Shriek Peek” at some new haunted merchandise in the Disney Store. That’s only some of the fun planned—check out the Disney Park Blog for all the details!
—Sarah Shebek
Video courtesy of Disney+/Feature photo: Disney/Mitch Haaseth
It’s active, builds core muscles, improves balance, and gets kids excited to head outdoors. That’s right: It’s time to hit the decks! Whether your kid has been skateboarding since they were in diapers, or they’re a total newb, we found an NYC skater spot for them. Read on for NYC’s best skateboarding lessons and classes for kids, skate shops in the city and NYC’s best skate parks where kids can test their skills.
Where to Deck Out: Uncle Funky Boards (and others!)
While there are lots of totally rad places to shop for that perfect board, there's one place that really caters to the groms, or young skaters, especially those that are just starting out. That place is Uncle Funky Boards in Manhattan.
The shop prides itself on helping not just the pros, but also those who are new to the sport. For basic “suiting up,” suggestions from the staff include helmets, knee, elbow and wrist guards to protect from any spill. You’ll also need a complete skateboard, which consists of a deck, two trucks, four wheels and eight bearings.
Besides Uncle Funky Boards, other NYC shops with devoted clientele include Skate Brooklyn at 78 St. Marks Pl, Labor in Chinatown and Sideshow in Middle Village.
Uncle Funky Boards 128 Charles St. West Village 646-895-9943 Online: unclefunkysboards.com
Skate Yogi is both a shop where you can buy everything you need for your skateboarding adventures, and a space for learning and practicing your skills. You can register your kids for a series of weekly lessons.
Students are taught in groups of about 8-10 kids with two instructors per group, and same ages are generally grouped together (within the age groups of 5-7, 7-13 and 12-17). You can sign up for 60-minute, 90-minute, or three-hour lessons. Want an even longer session? Skate Yogi suggests that students simply sign up for consecutive time slots. While a majority of every lesson takes place outside, Skate Yogi also has a well-ventilated indoor space.
Kids are required to bring pads and helmets (though you can also purchase them directly at Skate Yogi) but you don't need a skateboard — boards will be provided to students who don't have their own skateboard.
If you enjoy learning with Skate Yogi, they also offer summer camps and private one-on-one and group lessons.
$49 and up per session Skate Yogi 140 Empire Blvd Franklin and Bedford Aves Prospect Lefferts Gardens 718-484-9777 Online: skateyogi.com
Substance Skatepark is an indoor skating facility built by people passionate about the sport. The vast 15,000 square feet of the park span across two indoor spaces and feature a ramp, halfpipe, indoor street course, and other courses that are regularly updated. Substance is someplace you can go if you just want to skate.
A $20 day pass allows you to come and go as you please in its two spaces. But if you want something more regular for your kids, Substance also has camp and afterschool options. Camp is held every year and spans from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, while afterschool is available 2-6:30 p.m. either on a pay as you go basis, or in batches of 12 weekly sessions.
Depending on the group size, both camp and afterschool are taught by 2-6 instructors, to ensure that every child gets individual attention throughout the session. One-on-one and group classes are also available (though group classes must be booked via email).
And best of all, you can give a bit back to the environment as your kid learns to skate — Substance Skatepark donates 1% of their sales to plant trees.
$80 for a private lesson, $65 for a group lesson (purchase via email); $20 for a day pass; prices vary for afterschool and camp Substance Skatepark 314 Scholes Street Williamsburg 917-721-5707 Online: substanceskatepark.com
For an Empowering Experience: Skate Everything School
Pixabay
Can't find a skating option near you? No problem! Although Skate Everything is based in Harlem, their lessons take place across the entire city, from Central Park to Domino Park in Brooklyn, Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx, and many more locations.
The school places an emphasis not just on teaching kids to skateboard, but also on empowering them to stay fit, both physically and mentally. The school teaches different types of skating, and customizes lessons for each child's individual needs, ensuring that every child gets the most out of every lesson. Students are also taught about the different parts of a board, safety procedures, and generally everything they'll need to know if they want to continue skating on their own.
One-on-one lessons are available to purchase in packs for kids ages 4-17, and you don't even have to own a board—just let Skate Everything know prior to your lesson. But all students must bring their own knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet. It's also possible to set up group lessons if your kids want to learn to skate with their siblings or friends.
$50 per hour for a 1-on-1 lesson No centralized location: Skate Everything meets at multiple locations throughout the city Online: skateeverythingschool.com
When your kids have mastered the rookie stage but aren’t quite yet vets, Homage Skateboard Academy is a great place to continue working on honing those board skills. Homage runs a skateboard academy that offers programs for kids in an indoor training facility that’s challenging, but not too intimidating. The space has stationary and movable ramps that can be adjusted for different levels of learners.
Recent safety precautions require everyone to bring their own equipment, including the skateboard. This means that, although Homage offers lessons for all levels, it’s a good option for kids who already have their own boards. In addition to skateboards, helmets are mandatory for all students, while pads are required for kids 6 and under.
During lessons, teachers show kids how to control the boards and introduce special methods to help kids gain confidence on the board quickly. Private, group, weekend and after-school lessons are available, as is a summer camp and the option to create private pods.
Homage also has an online shop, so if you don’t have a skateboard yet, you can get one now. (In fact, at the time of this writing, Homage is celebrating its 15th year with a special collaboration with USA Olympic Pro Skateboarder Alexis Sablone!)
$95 and up per session, plus $50 for each student (up to 3 people can sign up together for a private lesson) Homage Skateboard Academy 615 Degraw St. Gowanus 718-596-8151 Online: homageskateboardacademy.com
SURE stands for “Skateboarder’s Urban Riding Environment,” and promotes skateboarding as a way to get around the city. SURE offers open group skateboard lessons in various locations in Manhattan.
If you have a little one who just wants to give skateboarding a try, they also have drop-in Sunday classes — just bring a helmet and skateboard. These open group lessons consist of no more than 12 students, and are for all levels, from the newbie who is getting on a board for the first time to the skater that wants to brush up on some skills.
Private lessons are also available by request via email.
$20 for group Sunday lessons, $30 for all others; private lessons can be scheduled via email Various locations in the West Village, TriBeCa Skatepark, and Seward Park SURE Skateboards 917-538-4084 Online: sureskateboards.com
For Riding the Streets and the Waves: Locals Surf School
Did you know that skateboarding has its origin in surfing? Well, Locals Surf School is keeping the link alive by offering surfing and skateboarding lessons! The school's youth skate camp provides a three-day instructional experience for kids ages 7-14 at the beginner to intermediate level. Every day of the program from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids will be introduced to the fundamentals of cruiser or trick skateboards. Groups are no larger than nine students each, with one instructor for every three kids.
The camp makes it easy to join and partake — all equipment, including skateboards pads and even sunscreen — are provided. The school also ensures that kids aren't baking in the sun all day, by setting up umbrellas and other cover for shade. Skateboarding lessons will be broken up by fun games and activities, to keep things fresh and interesting.
5050 Skatepark is a custom-built 8,000 square foot facility for skaters to expand their skills in a creative and safe environment. The owners ask for kids' input on designing the ever-changing landscape of ramps and courses. It's also a haven for hard-core celeb skaters; you can often find Little Wayne flipping and popping during one of the park’s regular sessions.
All visitors must sign a waiver and have a helmet, and kids under 11 must have a parent accompany them.
The park is currently closed to the public due to covid. We've reached out to the park for a projected reopening date and will update this post once we have more information.
Daily sessions starting at $14, $20 for an all-day pass; lessons, camps, private parties, and more available at various prices Currently closed due to covid 5050 Skatepark 354 Front St. Stapleton 347-857-6007 Online: 5050skatepark.com
Best Skateparks for a First Official Run: Astoria Skate Plaza (and more!)
When your skater is ready to hit a skate park, the Astoria Skate Plaza is a great place to give it a shot. Located right under the RFK Bridge, this 21,500-square-foot concrete park features enough open space for skaters of all skills to stay out of each other’s way. However, skaters say the best time for kids to get in some practice without crowds is a weekday morning.
The largest skatepark in the city is in Highbridge Park at the northern tip of Manhattan. Built in 2014, it is located under the Hamilton Bridge and constructed on a hill to provide extra momentum to skaters.
Astoria Skate Plaza Astoria Park South 21st St., Hoyt Ave., Ditmas Blvd., East River Astoria Online: nycgovparks.org
Bonus: Tony Hawk's MasterClass lessons
Pixabay
Ok, this isn't a local option. But beginner-friendly video lessons from the name synonymous with skateboarding in the mainstream? It was too good not to mention. This course has 16 (short) lessons on everything from the basics, to nailing an ollie, to a glimpse at the future of skateboarding.
Starting a $15 a month (for all lessons on the site) Online: masterclass.com
Pre-packaged muffins make a super-convenient breakfast option. But if you’ve purchased muffins from Walmart, 7-Eleven, or Stop & Shop lately, check your packaging. Give and Go Prepared Foods, which distributes muffins at the retailers, has announced a voluntary recall on multiple products due to potential listeria contamination.
The list of products is lengthy and includes Uncle Wally’s brand, The Worthy Crumb and Freshness Guaranteed. Products sold include regular and mini muffin size and many have a lot code date of August 28 or 29. Check the recall announcement for the full list of affected muffins.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious or sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Fortunately, there have been no illnesses reported yet.
If you have one or more of these products at home, discard them and make note of the lot code on the packaging. If you decide to contact Give and Go’s customer support for more information, you can call 1-844-366-1171 and provide them with the lot code.
In short, I’d say it’s for awareness and education. To make it more common and comfortable for people to see others with differences whether it’s in appearance, speech or behaviors.
I guess because we are so immersed in autism 24/7, I forget sometimes that there are people who don’t know anyone personally with it and it may feel foreign and possibly uncomfortable.
That’s okay! I get it. Before we had Alex, I think I would probably feel uncomfortable if I was standing at a bus stop and someone started jumping and flapping and making unusual sounds. It’s different. But I would love it if this could be put out into the world so people are made aware of it so it’s not scary. People could just be like “Oh, ok maybe this person is different. Let me give them some space or smile at them or whatever.”
Anything new takes time to get used to and feel comfortable with.
What’s not okay is bullying or derogatory language. It still feels like a little gut punch when I hear people say the ‘R’ word. You can come up with any excuse you want, but the fact of the matter is that it is used as an insult. It’s never used to describe something amazing. My Alex also has a diagnosis of intellectual disability and knowing that the ‘R’ word is often used to describe people like my son makes it sting even more.
This is why representation matters.
TV, media, us just being out and about in the community. Not just Alex and our family, but all the families who live with autism.
I feel there needs to be more representation of our kind of autism. We need to put faces to the word for there to be a human connection. People need to teach their kids to be accepting and be kind to people who are different.
The reason I’m writing this right now is that even though it’s 2021, I still see and hear stories of abuse and mistreatment.
Can I tell you how much preparation (both physically and emotionally) and courage it takes for some of us to just take our kids out of the house because we know the stares and judgment we’ll get just for being different? I can tell you how much it would mean to me as a mom, if someone would just show me a little smile, like “Hey, I see you. You’re not invisible. Welcome.” It would melt my heart, I tell ya. That’s all we want. Humanity.
Through our page, I hope that people will see Alex, first and foremost, as a human being who, despite his differences and challenges, also has gifts and a smile that’ll warm your heart, and that he deserves to be treated with the same respect and kindness that everyone deserves. If you feel brave to say “Hi” and he doesn’t respond, don’t take it personally. He can’t always speak, but he hears you and so do I, and it means so much that you tried.
If you see someone out who is having a meltdown, stimming physically or verbally, not responding? Don’t judge. Don’t insult. Don’t hurt or take advantage of. Remember: Different, not less. Just. Be. Kind. I promise you, it feels so much better than the alternative.
Remember, these people are someone’s child, brother, sister, auntie, uncle. They are a person with feelings and emotions just like you. Treat others how you would want yourself and your own kids to be treated.
Hi! My name is Laura and I'm a mom of two beautiful kids in Vancouver, Canada. I write a blog on Facebook called The Autism Ride, all about the ups and downs in life with our teenaged son on the spectrum.
