Happy Day Play Family Learning

So many of the first babies we had at Happy Day Play will be starting 3K this year! We've been getting so many questions, mainly: Free public 3-K ran by the city or a private preschool that costs as much as a year of college?

Here's a clear, developmentally grounded look at the pros and cons of each in NYC, and how to pick the right one for your family:

Public vs. Private 3-K and Pre-K in NYC: Pros & Cons — Happy Day Play Family Learning A Family Life Educator breaks down public vs. private 3-K and Pre-K in NYC: the real pros, cons and costs, plus how to choose the right fit for your child.

As a reminder, we are currently on break until after the fourth of July. We are so excited to see you then! Here's a sneak peek at all the fun we have planned this summer!

Get your class pass or save with a class pack bundle and join us this summer: https://form.jotform.com/JCC_jcc/happydayplay

🎶 Is your baby too young for music class? New brain research says no.

A 2025 eLife study found that babies respond to real music in the brain and body from as early as three months old. So if you have ever caught your little one kicking their legs to a song in the kitchen, that is real developmental work happening.

In our newest article, I share what the research found and the four things to look for in a baby music class.

Is My Baby Too Young for Music Class? What Research Says — Happy Day Play Family Learning New research shows babies respond to music in the brain and body from 3 months old. A Family Life Educator on what it means for baby music classes.

Throwing a Ms. Rachel birthday party? Can you say FUN? 🤩 🎉

We put together our best tips and tricks for pulling one off without the overwhelm, written by a Family Life Educator (Ms. Kaitlynn!) who runs toddler parties every weekend. Take a look here: https://www.happydayplay.com/expert-articles/ms-rachel-birthday-party-ideas

And here's the part parents get most excited about: our most popular birthday add-on is the highly sought-after Ms. Rachel Experience. On top of our base out-of-the-box, on-the-go party entertainment, Ms. Kaitlynn brings the whole thing to life in Ms. Rachel inspired character and in the voice, with real live singing, larger-than-life activities straight from the show and so much more.

A portion of every booking goes to UNICEF, so the big day does a little good in the world too 🥰

Serving Staten Island, NYC and NJ.

Easy Ms. Rachel Birthday Party Ideas (and a NYC Impersonator) — Happy Day Play Family Learning Simple Ms. Rachel birthday party ideas from a Family Life Educator: songs and activities toddlers love, plus how to book a live impersonator in NYC, NJ and Staten Island.

We’re officially on vacation until after the 4th of July! 🌼

First though, we wanted to take a moment to thank every single one of you for another memorable season together 😘 We loved welcoming your families into our walk-in classes filled with music, art, baby signs, and play. Our Montessori program flourished, and our special events like Mom Prom and Daddy Derby with brought everyone together in the best way. We were honored to host our spring community giveback alongside . We celebrated countless birthday parties with the sweetest families, were invited into many homes for private play dates, visited schools, and shared family destination reviews with you along the way.

None of this happens without you, and we are so grateful to share these moments with your whole family. 💜

Our classes will resume on July 6th. ☀️ But there’s lot of fun to be shared between now and then so stay tuned! 👀 We also have plenty of recaps from springtime fun coming your way!

Summer is just around the corner, and we truly cannot wait to see you all again!

🔗 You can view the full summer schedule at happydayplay.com

That scraped knee you’re bracing for is doing more good than you think 🤔

A little risky, outdoor play builds braver, calmer toddlers, and the research backs it up. Learn the one rule that changes how you watch your kid at the playground: tell a risk from a hazard, clear the hazards, then let them climb.

Read more ➡️

Benefits of Risky Play for Toddlers (and How to Allow It) — Happy Day Play Family Learning A Family Life Educator on why a little risky, outdoor play builds your toddler's confidence and calm, plus how to allow it safely without hovering.