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weekend activities for part-time step-kids — Brooklynian

weekend activities for part-time step-kids

whatchuwant
whatchuwant
edited November -1 in Brooklyn Kids
My husband and I get the kids (4 boys- ages 8-16) every other weekend. Since the weather's been cold and the holidays are over, all they do is sit around the house playing video games and eat everything in sight.

I do kick the little guys outside to play (with an older brother to watch them), but they don't stay out for long (it's cold, they get bored easily, etc)

Are there any activities (FREE) in Brooklyn that you don't have to "commit" to (since we have them only twice a month). They're all really open-minded and are interested in many things.

Any ideas?

Comments

  • modsquad
    modsquad
    Have you tried the Brooklyn Museum? I used to drop mine off with a dollar each for admission. The "suggested" admission is absurd.
  • rezist
    rezist
    Free admission for the Botanical Garden, Saturdays 10–12 noon.
  • stacey
    stacey
    What about checking the armory out? Maybe they have something for the kiddies on the weekend.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    stacey wrote: What about checking the armory out? Maybe they have something for the kiddies on the weekend.
    Which one?
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    modsquad wrote: Have you tried the Brooklyn Museum? I used to drop mine off with a dollar each for admission. The "suggested" admission is absurd.
    Yea, that's a good idea, Mod. When I first started dating Daver, that was my first "date" with the little guys. We're only going to get away with that a couple of times though before that runs its due course...but every little thing helps! Thanks!
  • stacey
    stacey
    Whatchuwant wrote: [quote=stacey]What about checking the armory out? Maybe they have something for the kiddies on the weekend.
    Which one?

    The new one on 8th Ave in Park Slope. They have a great new track there and new basketball courts.
  • supreme_ian
    supreme_ian
    you can always give em my # and have em come over here for some "educational activities" and a few other random fun activities !!!

    ;)
  • modsquad
    modsquad
    Back in the day, dropping them in Chinatown was a good option. Back then the only way to play CounterStrike seriously was in internet cafes. When they ran out of money they would go to the basement malls on Elizabeth Street. It's actually pretty safe there.

    Slightly off topic but interesting is this site:

    http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/ideas/

    FWIW, I used to take my 13 and 14 and 15 year olds out to Floyd Bennett Field and let them drive the car up and down the runways. Lots of people out there doing the same thing, but still plenty of room. That was for the most part free but it's best you stay with them. :)
  • homeowner
    homeowner
    There are a bunch of free programs for kids at the St. John's Rec Center.

    Next signup starts January 30th.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    See, I think the 13 & 16 y.o. would be SO into venturing around the city....but they're not. The 16 is kind of intimidated of venturing the city by himself (and his friends are often not allowed or available to meet him) and really? He's kinda lazy. The 13 y.o. just wants to play video games. That's it. Oh, and watch movies with his dad.

    When I was a teen, all I wanted was to get away from my parents and out of the house. These guys could be doing so much with the freedom we're willing to give them (totally trustworthy- these kids wouldn't know a drug if it came up and smacked them dead in the face). But they don't- it's not even an option.

    Kind of strange. They want to spend time with their dad- honestly, they're all pretty needy that way. I want them to get out and do stuff- but they'll only go somewhere if their dad or I go with them...I know the divorce was hard on them, and I know their mom spends very little time with them. But its time to spread their wings and fly a little, you know??
  • homeowner
    homeowner
    If they are into video games, try bribing them with a trip into the city to Sony Wonder. Its either free, or very inexpensive, and at the end of it, you come into a room full of Sony Playstations and screens where you can play the latest games. Might be worthwhile to have the16 yr old chaperone the youngins there.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    Awesome, Homeowner- just booked us at Sony Wonder for Feb 6th! Looks like it'll be HUGE fun for them....THANK YOU!!!
  • stacey
    stacey
    modsquad wrote: Back in the day, dropping them in Chinatown was a good option. Back then the only way to play CounterStrike seriously was in internet cafes. When they ran out of money they would go to the basement malls on Elizabeth Street. It's actually pretty safe there.
    There is only one arcade left in Chinatown and its on Mott Street. I miss the days of the dancing chicken at the arcade in Chinatown.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    I think my oldest two need a play date with your son, Stacey. Can we set that up?
  • stacey
    stacey
    Whatchuwant wrote: I think my oldest two need a play date with your son, Stacey. Can we set that up?
    Definitely!
    This weekend is Jay's show but the next weekend you have them would be perfect.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    Just wanted to say that the kids went (with their dad) to Sony Wonder over the weekend. All kids agreed that it was definitely worth going out into the cold for.

    Thanks again for the tip, Homeowner!
  • homeowner
    homeowner
    No problem. Now all you have to do is take the on the Shark this summer and my work here is done!
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    They've been on that a lot, actually. Their mom works for the Circle Line.
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