NYC EXPLORERS

We've loved New York City Explorers ( www.nycityexplorer s.com ). There is one on Underhill near Eastern Parkway and another on Atlantic between Hoyt and Bond. The Atlantic one is bigger, but the Underhill one has Blue Marble in front :). I think it is $10 day for the whole family (we've bought "packages", in and out as much as you want. They are having a bunch of specials right now, worth looking at (such as buy a 10pack play package and get 2nd 1/2 off!) They also have a babysitting service we have used and like, drop off care at the spaces, day camps, school break camps, and party space/planning etc. Lots more but I can't keep it all straight. We mostly use the playspace and babysitters.

For those looking for a space to do a kids' birthday party, I would
recommend NYC Explorers' Prospect Heights location (they also have an
Atlantic Avenue location, but I've never been there). We recently had
a birthday party for two 3-year-olds there and were really happy with
the results. The space is terrific -- there is an indoor play space
with lots of wooden toys and dress up clothes and also a grassy
backyard to run around in.

They have a party planner, Tina, who will work with you to create
whatever kind of party you want. We brought our own food to keep
costs down, but they can arrange for food if you want (there's also a
branch of Blue Marble ice cream in the front of the space!). They
also have a gas grill that you can rent, if you want to grill. Tina
and an assistant are present for the party to help the kids with
activities and move things along.

I have no affiliation with NYC Explorers -- we just really had a good
experience with our party.

I would like to second the recommendation for NYC Explorers. We walked by it
tonight, and the space looks clean and inviting...and fun for the little ones. (12/30/07)

We went to NYC Explorers (0n Atlantic between hoyt and bond) today
with my 2 year-old daughter and 3 year-old niece for the day today and
it was fantastic. The fee was $10 per family for the day. The kids had
a ball in the spacious and well-stocked play area, with lots of clean
toys, and fun music. We had lunch there and took a break and went
shopping in Macy's for an hour before returning for more play. The
owners are two young women, one of whom is the mother of a one-year-
old. (12/29/07)

We ended up there this morning by chance (Little Gym
was closed, Y's gym was under construction) and my
almost-2-year-old and I had a great time. Seemed
clean, nicely chosen toys, and a "parents lounge" area
where you can eat (your own food). We would
definitely go again. Also love the fact that it's $10
for the family for the day (you can come and go), and
that it opens at 9am, which nothing else seems to do,
and sometimes it's a long time between wakeup and 10. (12/31/07)