The winter holidays are fast approaching, and with them comes the long winter break from your local NYC pre k school. Whether you’re getting a few weeks off from in-person preschool, or you set your own homeschool preschool schedule, taking advantage of the magic of New York City during the holidays is something that cannot be missed!
See your little one’s eyes light up (literally) as they gaze upon lantern recreations of their favorite animals. From open-mouthed hippos to undersea habitats, children can walk the different outdoor trails, watch light-up puppets and stilt-walkers perform, play with interactive activities around the park, make their own s’mores, watch ice carving demonstrations, pose in front of the light shows, or ride the Holiday Train near the entrance. A magical night to spend with your homeschool preschooler!
–Holiday Markets
There are many different holiday markets that pop up all over the city (one of which may be near your NYC pre k!) From Union Square (open November 23-December 23), to the pop up Holiday Shop at the Schomburg Center (only open December 20 and 21), to the Winter Village and Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (open October 25-March 2 and October 25-January 5 respectively), to the Grand Central Holiday Fair (November 11-December 24), to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market (December 3-December 31) to the Grand Bazaar (open all year ‘round on Sundays), you and your little one will have a memorable time shopping for presents for all your loved ones, trying new foods, and observing the many people who come through these winter NYC staples.
–Ice Skating
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is iconic for a reason – the giant tree setting the festive mood, the statue of Prometheus watching over as families from around the world make NYC memories, but did you know there are countless other places to ice skate with your NYC pre k/homeschool preschool student? Wollman Rink at Central Park, Bryant Park, The Lefrak Center at Prospect Park, just to name a few!
–New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
If your little one is sensitive to the cold, the Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a great way to stave off the chills while still experiencing so much of what NYC in the wintertime has to offer. Tiny models of NYC landmarks made of natural materials are set up with trains flowing through the scenes. You might start to feel like a preschooler yourself when taking in all the detail the professional miniature makers can include. (And maybe it’ll inspire some homeschool preschool activities for the new year!)
–American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree
Make a trip that can double as a homeschool preschool field trip! The American Museum of Natural History has educational exhibitions for all ages, and your NYC pre k student can gaze in wonder at informative displays, real bones, IMAX movies, all before getting to the main holiday event: a giant tree made entirely out of hand-folded origami. Play I Spy with your little one to try to find the different animals that match this year’s theme: Jumping for Joy!Â
–Shows
New York City isn’t just the place your little one attends their NYC pre k, it’s also known the world over for live performances. This holiday season, get out of your homeschool preschool classroom, and take your little one to see an unforgettable performance. Whether you want to experience the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, see Elf on Broadway, watch the NYC kickoff of the new Annie tour, or check out the yearly performance of Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim (one night only), you and your little one will make memories to last a lifetime!
–Get there via Holiday Nostalgia RidesÂ
Whether you’re leaving from your little one’s NYC pre k, home, or a hotel visiting the city, you can catch one of the MTA’s Holiday Nostalgia Rides, departing from specific locations at scheduled times, and going along that line’s regular track and stops. What a magical way to kick off your little one’s time away from their NYC pre k (or homeschool preschool)!
However (and wherever) you celebrate, we here at Playgarden wish you and yours the happiest and coziest of holiday seasons. See you again in the new year!
