Happy Day Play
Family Learning
Where Family Fun and Education Meet!
Explore Happy Day Play, where we revolutionize learning and family bonding through evidence-based activities seamlessly integrated into all our offerings. Designed by and for the modern family, Happy Day Play redefines quality time with top-tier 'grown-up and me' classes, dynamic family events, and enriching community education. Beyond our scheduled activities, we specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences including private pop-up playdates, themed birthday party entertainment, and more. Located in the heart of the greater NYC area, our dedication to excellence ensures every visit is filled with joy, learning, and meaningful connections for families seeking memorable moments together.
Happy Day Play is the only education company in NYC offering an evidence-based early learning model through a family science lens. It was created by a family life educator (FLE) formerly leading organic content strategy for the digital arm of the acclaimed What To Expect When You’re Expecting, helping millions of parents access the most credible, authoritative and trustworthy content in family, pregnancy and parenting ages 0 to 5 years on WhatToExpect.com and the award-winning WhatToExpect app.
Evidence-Based Learning Made Easy.
Education That Puts Your Family First.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS AT JCC OF STATEN ISLAND
Peter Rabbit Springtime Play & Party
Saturday April 5th
This fan-favorite event is back by popular demand after last year's incredible success! Affordably priced per family, with advance purchase required.
As an extension of National Literacy Month in March, we're dedicating the first week of April to celebrate the beloved author Beatrix Potter—culminating in our Peter Rabbit Play & Party event.
In addition to our signature open play experience, get ready for a special visit from a springtime bunny with a photo opportunity, play in Mr. McGregor’s sensory garden, explore the Beatrix Potter Bunny Trail with a themed treasure hunt, and plant a DIY biodegradable gardening pot to start your own little garden at home.
Mom Prom: Mother’s Day Family Event
Sunday May 4th
Moms deserve more than just a muffin—they deserve the royal treatment! Gather your royal court and join us for this charming event that celebrates the queen of the house in style.
Along with our signature open play experience, you’ll enjoy a delightful mommy-and-me fashion show with prizes for Best Dressed and Best Pose, a flower for every mom, a “Tats for Tots” tattoo station, DIY tiaras, and plenty of surprises fit for royalty. It’s a day full of fun and love, dedicated to the reigning queen of your family!
Of course dads are welcome too! After all, you need a personal photographer to capture all the memories.
Daddy Derby: Father’s Day Family Event
Sunday June 8th
Think your kid is the fastest hooligan in all of Staten Island? PROVE IT.
Bring them to our fun-filled race-style competition and open play experience as we celebrate the man, the myth, the legend—DAD!
Along with our signature open play and friendly races, we'll have plenty of surprises to create those once-in-a-lifetime moments with your little ones.
Get ready for a day full of laughter, bonding, and memories you'll cherish forever! Moms and grandparents are of course welcome to attend as well!
REGISTER NOW Family First Montessori Experience: 7 Week Program Shorten Spring Session
Limited spots available! This spring due to holidays, we’ll be offering a special shortened Montessori program consisting of 7 sessions between April and June with new pricing reflective of this change.
This introductory Montessori learning program tailored for families with babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3. It is designed to foster foundational developmental milestones and, most importantly, a lifelong love of learning using a combination of Family Life Education (FLE) principles and introductory Montessori philosophy.
Meeting the following Mondays from 10:30am to 11:30am at Bernikow JCC: 4/7, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 6/9, 6/16
Join us for a consistent and fun journey with the same group of families, ensuring continuity and community throughout our sessions. Learn more about our Montessori program on our page here or by looking at our highlights from our fall session on Instagram.
Services We Offer
Family Fun Events
School Visits
OFFERING GROWN UP AND ME CLASSES ACROSS SIX SUBJECT AREAS
At Happy Day Play, no matter which of our locations you visit, you can always expect the same outstanding, evidence-based curriculum rooted in creative family fun. Each of our locations offers a unique setting, but our commitment to quality and enriching experiences remains consistent. We ensure that every family walks away with a beautiful experience that supports learning, growth, and joyful memories.
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Family Open Play
Our family open play classes are geared towards supercharging those gross physical motor skills and more in their child alongside family bonding.
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Music Classes
We go beyond the basics, offering a true music education experience. With a family music class and a baby sing & sign language class, experienced music educators and FUN, get ready to rock and roll through the foundations of music like never before!
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Art Classes
From our Sensory Art for Littles to our Family Crafternoons, there are plenty of opportunities to use creation and sensory exploration as a critical tool for your child’s development all while having fun together. Dress to make a MESS!
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STEAM for Littles
Gear up for a mind-blowing adventure at STEAM-tastic Family Fun! It's not just learning; it's a hands-on journey of experimentation and discovery!
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Early Literacy Classes
Imagine a world where every story becomes an adventure, and every sound and word is a step towards your little one's growth. Our fun-filled framework isn't just about lessons; it's a stage where curiosity takes the spotlight and creativity steals the show.
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Global Languages
There are countless studies that show the benefits of children learning another language before the age of 5. Come start with a fully immersive mommy and me Spanish playgroup!
IN THE COMMUNITY
Community building and integration is at the heart of everything we do! Happy Day Play is available for educational family fun events for all ages, to provide guidance on various projects and initiatives for families, or at speaking engagement promoting family sciences and parenting education.
See some highlights of Happy Day Play in action in the NYC and surrounding areas. We love collaborating with other like minded professionals in order to best serve families!
No FOMO allowed. Stay in the loop with all of what’s happening at Happy Day Play.
Growing Up Happy
Evidence-Based Articles on Nurturing Early Childhood Development Through Family Connection and More
At Happy Day Play, we are dedicated to making learning a joyful and inclusive experience for young children and their families. Our digital team consists of early childhood experts and data scientists who understand the incredible impact of play in fostering children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in conjunction with family. We believe in sharing this valuable knowledge with others. That's why we gather the latest research from around the globe and transform it into easily comprehensible articles, practical tips, and engaging activities. These resources transform families by enhancing their children's learning journey.
We invite you to join us as we delve into the realm of early childhood development and its connection to family!
Follow Us on Instagram
Happy Day Play regularly posts useful, original information to our dedicated followers every day! Don’t have FOMO — follow us for the latest tips, fun ideas, useful reels and more @happydayplay. Together, let’s continue to build a wonderful community of parents who want to learn and do the best for their children.
In the Media
Join the growing conversation about creating a bright and nurturing future for children and families with Happy Day Play as they continue to leave a positive impact on families everywhere.
For media inquiries, interviews, or collaboration opportunities, journalists and publications can contact Happy Day Play via email at hello@happydayplay.com.
See where Happy Day Play has been recently featured on our In The News: Media Page.