James Smith

James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.

Latest posts by James

Best New Kid-Friendly Openings on Long Island in 2021

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 8:00am

The Eye Opener outdoor tree house at the Long Island Aquarium features rope bridges, slides, and plenty more. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

We said goodbye to the horrible year of 2020 with the promise of renewal, recovery, and a return to normalcy in 2021. And on Long Island, that was more or less what we got. At least until the last few weeks.

Learning to cope with COVID-19, we managed to entertain our kids with trips to the beach, outdoor activities, and the occasional visit to the play space. And as new entertainment venues opened in 2021, we were there with our parent-strong team of local writers to give you the official Mommy Poppins take on these openings.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near DC for Kids and Families

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 10/31/2021 - 9:23am

The popular Sculpture Garden Ice Rink returns November 19, 2021. Photo courtesy of The National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden

On a beautiful winter day, what could be more enjoyable than skating around on a fresh sheet of ice? In 2022, skaters will have plenty of options for ice skating near DC, from rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks near DC that stay open all winter long.

Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks near DC generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating near DC at one of these great rinks. For more fun things to do near DC this winter—from the best ski resorts near DC to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.&

30 Things To Do in the Florida Keys with Kids (Besides Key West )

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 10/16/2021 - 1:00pm

Go snorkeling in the stunning water at Tranquility Bay Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

While Key West attracts most of the attention, parents don’t have to make the 150-mile, traffic-strewn journey to the southernmost of the Keys to introduce their kids to the magic of this extended chain of islands. There are almost too many things to do in the Florida Keys with kids, beginning with Key Largo just 90 minutes south of Miami and continuing through Islamorada and all the way to Sugarloaf Key, in the Lower Keys.

So read on for the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids north of Key West—including the top Florida Keys resorts and Florida Keys Hotels for families and the best Florida Keys restaurants—and use the driving time you save to pack in another adventure before you (sadly) have to depart.

8 Kid-Friendly Wineries Near DC

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 07/23/2021 - 11:20am

Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery . Photo courtesy of the winery

For all the joys of parenting, there are those moments when a mom or dad just needs some adult time—and perhaps even an adult beverage. Many wineries near DC offer parents both of those, with the added bonus of kid-friendliness. So if you’re just killing for a Cabernet or pining for a Pinot this summer or fall, pack up the kids and head out to one of these family-friendly wineries near DC, where you’re guaranteed a vintage good time.

Atlanta Attractions That Offer Free Admission for Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 07/23/2021 - 7:00am

The High Museum of Art offers free admission on the second Sunday of most months.

We get it: We're parents, too. No matter how much we WANT to entertain our kids, sometimes the bank account doesn't allow for a big-ticket afternoon. That's when we have to search a bit harder for budget-friendly or free entertainment options.

Before we get into the big list, here are three of our favorite savvy tips for saving money in Atlanta:

1. Atlanta CityPASS: If you know your family likes to visit Atlanta's big attractions a couple times each year—like Zoo Atlanta, The Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola—then this pass is for you.

2. Library Passes: Many local libraries, like ones in Fulton County, offer passes that families can use for destinations like Zoo Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Chattahoochee Nature Center.

3. Georgia Aquarium FREE Birthday ticket: Visit the world's largest aquarium on your birthday (and bring your ID or birth certificate) to see the whales, sharks, and dolphins for FREE.

Read on for even more ways to save with free admission to cool museums, sports centers, outdoor areas, nature centers, and more that will delight your kids without denting your wallet.

Remember to visit our Atlanta events calendar for the most up-to-date options for family fun.

20 Fun Things To Do on Block Island, RI, with Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 06/05/2021 - 2:42pm

Wander the trails near the cliffs on Block Island.

Blessed as my family is to live in eastern Long Island with its many beaches, more than once a summer we cast an envious eye across the sound to Block Island. It appears as a little bit of Scotland, sitting off the Rhode Island coast.

You might not think so from its location on a map—middle of nowhere? Honestly, yes—but Block Island, with its ancient cliffs and towering lighthouses, offers children plenty to do. As long as they don't expect an amusement park. Entertainment on Block Island is a bit more primitive. Beach walks, bike rides, nature sanctuaries, and water activities dominate this Rhode Island getaway in the summer when the island swells in population with ferry passengers from New London, Newport, and Montauk.

But if you want to take your kids off the beaten path there are few places better equipped for the journey than Block Island. Here then are 20 things to do with kids in this most unique of New England destinations.

25 Things to Do in Lake Placid on a Winter Vacation

Submitted by James Smith on Sat, 01/16/2021 - 2:23pm

The 30-foot high Lake Placid Toboggan Chute sends riders down an ice-covered slide onto frozen Mirror Lake.

Lake Placid, New York is the perfect destination for winter adventurers. Ski at Whiteface Mountain; ice skate at the Olympic rink; snowshoe, bobsled, or even lead a pack of dogs on a sledding adventure. It’s all there for families in this Adirondacks community five hours or so by car from New York City or Boston.

What’s Open in Coronavirus Shutdown in Washington, DC: Parks, Hikes You Can Do While Social Distancing

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 10:44am

Follow the boardwalk to the statue of the 26th president at Theodore Roosevelt Island. Photo courtesy of StayArlington

It's the first weekend of spring in Washington, DC and that normally brings inspiration to us here at Mommy Poppins.

Of course, we all know these are not normal times in the nation's capital. As precautions against the spread of the coronavirus continue, public events, particularly with kids, remain limited and fluid.

So many weekend events have been canceled or postponed, but there are some outdoor activities that are continuing with safety precautions in place. Call or research before heading out. With a bit of imagination we just might make it through coronavirus lockdown.

We have previously documented several "evergreen" and indoor activities so you can manage your kids' cabin fever should you choose to avoid public and outdoor events. We've also posted a roundup of some of the best virtual storytimes, sing-alongs, STEM activities, and more that you can access here. You also might want to check our rundown of our favorite family films.

James Smith

Latest posts by James

Pages