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

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

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 10:30am

Wekiwa Springs and other Florida state parks are open for passive recreation. Photo by Rain0975/Flickr

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

Of course, we all know these are not normal times in the Sunshine State. 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.

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

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 9:30am

Events along the route are canceled, but the Atlanta BeltLine urban walking trail is open during the crisis. Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Beltline

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

Of course, we all know these are not normal times in the Atlanta area. 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, however. With a bit of imagination we just might make it through coronavirus lockdown.

We have already posted several "evergreen" and indoor activities so you can manage your kids' cabin fever this weekend should you choose to avoid public and outdoor events. We've also included 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.

Coronavirus Update: Closings, Cancellations in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/13/2020 - 6:18pm

The National Portrait Gallery is closed for now. Photo by Marquis Perkins courtesy of Washington.org

As the coronavirus continues its near relentless march across the country, we here at Mommy Poppins DC will share with you what we know about school closings, museum closings, event postponements and cancellations, and more.

In the meantime, see our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, for tons of resources and Boredom Busters to keep the kids busy. We've got educational science experiments, fun exercise games, remote learning resources such as FREE online coding classes for kids, and more.

Here is what we know so far:

Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend: St. Patrick's Day Parade, Scavenger Hunt

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 03/11/2020 - 6:00am

Celebrate Irish culture at Atlanta's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Irish Dance

It's mid-March in Atlanta, and that can only mean it's time for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Headlining this weekend's list of great things to do with kids in the Atlanta area is the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which begins at 15th and Peachtree streets on Saturday, complete with pipers, marching bands, Irish food, and more.

Elsewhere, families can enjoy a STEM-themed scavenger hunt along Atlanta's BeltLine, a tea party with your little princess in McDonough, children's theater, puppetry, and more.

Things to Do in Washington, DC This Weekend: Purim, Spy Sleepover, Music

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 03/04/2020 - 8:15am

Enjoy a Persian New Year festival, and don't forget your costume. Photo courtesy of National Museum of Asian Art

This weekend, take advantage of the last few weeks of winter to introduce your kids to a little bit of multicultural DC. The Jewish festival of Purim inspires a pair of celebrations in Washington, DC, including a family carnival; and a celebration of Persian New Year delights at the Freer and Sackler galleries.

Kids can bake St. Patrick's Day treats in Sterling, Virginia, bond with the family in Baltimore, or enjoy bilingual music at the Kennedy Center.

Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: Central Florida Fair, Touch a Truck

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 03/04/2020 - 8:00am

Indulge your inner trucker at Downtown Orlando Touch A Truck. Photo courtesy of the event

There is good news for fans of sunshine this weekend. Daylight saving time brings an extra hour of afternoon sunlight to the Sunshine State, so why not get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Hit the Central Florida Fair in Orlando this weekend before its annual run closes. Take in an arts festival in Lake Mary, or challenge yourself on the rides at the Apopka Fair.

Speaking of rides, there are theme park celebrations at Universal, SeaWorld and Epcot, and even a retro toy fest in Kissimmee.

Little Eyes Can Spy at International Spy Museum DC

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 02/28/2020 - 6:00am

Your covert mission begins with an undercover identity at the Spy Museum.

Hidden in plain sight, appropriately enough, in L’Enfant Plaza is the newly reconstituted International Spy Museum DC. And what adventures little eyes can spy at this tween and teen showplace.

The International Spy Museum is, in fact, a museum dedicated to espionage. The Spy Museum houses the largest collection of spy-related relics ever put on display, and its collection tripled in size shortly before its 2019 relocation to L’Enfant Plaza, near DC's Smithsonian museums.

Things to Do in Washington, DC This Weekend: Heritage Fest, Children's Theater

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 10:18am

Drop in for some art making at the Walters Art Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Good news, fans of February: Not only does the calendar give us that rare leap day in 2020, it also drops it right into the middle of a Washington, DC weekend.

That means there's plenty of fun to be had on February 29, including heritage festivals , writing clinics, pop-up parties, children's theater, and more.

And if you're eager to begin March, you can also enjoy special programs on Sunday at Imagination Stage in Bethesda and the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, and even a visit from The Great Zucchini.

James Smith

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