8 New Top Indoor Picks for a Rainy Day

Outdoor activities are being threatened today with the weather and all.  But don't fret.  There are ALWAYS alternatives.  Don't forget about this list of indoor playspaces.  Call ahead to make sure they're not booked with birthday parties.  I'll be at "Once Upon a Sundae" today for a party so I know that's off limits to the public.  Below is a list of "just in case the rain stays" indoor activities that are sure to fill your child's day.

The Jumping Gym - West Hempstead

Children

Henry Waldinger Memorial Library (VS Library), or your local library, is always open and it's always free!  Stop by, play a few computer games, complete some puzzles, read a few books, or build the world's largest building with their blocks.

The Jumping Gym is hosting a "Summer Spectacular" today from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. for FREE.  The event will have face painting, games, crafts, and prizes.

West Hempstead's Echo Park Pool is rainproof because it's an indoor pool!  I have never been but I'll be stopping by soon. Non-resident daily fees are $4 for children 5-9 years old, and $8 for older individuals.  There isn't a price for children under 5 so I guess they're free.

Take a short trip to Northport to see "Rapunzel" A Tangled Fairytale weekends through August 19th for just $15.

Long Island Children's Museum never disappoints with an array of activities for children of all ages. You can also visit their website for a few at home activities.  Travel the world without leaving the comforts of home.

Teens

Sip This is becoming the place for teens weekend evenings.  Stop in tonight for Medicine Fish at 8 p.m.  Drink all the coffee, cocoa, lattes, desserts and smoothies you want.  Love this place!

Hot Skates is a great way to get moving on this first official Olympic day.  Practice speed skating, backwards, or simply move to the beat today. Open skate for all 12:30p - 2:30p, 3p - 5:30p, and 7p - 9:30p. Did you know that this is where reality star and Skinny Girl Cocktail mogul Bethenny Frankel used to skate?

Stop by one of the areas movie theatres to check out the latest flicks or some of the oldest flicks that are still playing.  Buy your tickets online here and have your online fees waived.  No standing in line when you get to the theater which always makes me feel like a celebrity.

What are your plans for today?

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Why My 9 Year-Old Will Not Have a Cell

I ran across this blog post on Blogher and thought it was interesting.  If this were my post, the title would be "Why My 9-Year Old Have A Cell Phone"  I would like to think that until she/he can pay at least half the phone bill my child will be asking your child to use their phone to call me. 

Does your preteen have a cell phone?  Why or why not?

Why I Gave My 9-Year-Old a Cell Phone

by pauline

I swore I wouldn't give my daughter Franny a cell phone until she was thirteen. And whenever my nine-year-old asked, as she had been doing more frequently, "Mom, when can I have a cell phone?" this is what I told her. There were a few reasons why I thought 13 was the magic cell phone number. She'd be responsible enough not to lose it. She'd be old enough to coordinate her own social plans. Her dad got her brother an iPhone when he was thirteen and I wanted to be fair.

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