Happy Day Play
Family Learning
NYC’s Gold Standard for Family Learning
Highly rated and trusted by thousands across Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and NJ
Happy Day Play Family Learning is NYC’s only education company built on an evidence-based, family science lens. We design out-of-the-box grown up and me classes, family fun events, kids’ party entertainment, and more, all with connection, joy, and the modern family in mind.
Happy Day Play was created by a mother of two and Family Life Educator (FLE) who spent years helping millions of families access trusted, reliable guidance through the digital arm of the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. She previously led organic content strategy for the brand’s award-winning website and app, supporting families through pregnancy and early childhood (ages 0–5).
Now with her staff, she brings that same commitment to credibility, trust, and developmental expertise into online and in-person experiences that celebrate families as the leaders of their child’s learning.
Services We Offer for Families
Family Fun Events
Pay As You Go, Grown Up and Me Classes on Staten Island
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Family Open Play Class
Let your child move freely, explore safely, and build confidence—through themed open play activities designed to support for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers alongside their favorite grown-up! Big helper older siblings welcome!
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Family Music Class
A weekly musical adventure where your whole family connects, moves, and learns together—right here on Staten Island
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Baby Sing and Sign Class
Give your baby a voice before they can speak—through music, sign language, and moments that bring you closer at our Staten Island class!
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Sensory Art Class
Spark creativity, sensory growth, and joyful bonding in this hands-on, full-body art class for little ones and their favorite grown-ups!
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Family Crafternoon Class
Spark creativity and quality time through traditional arts & crafts—done together as a family after school hours!
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Family STEAM Class
A monthly grown-up and me science adventure where young minds and curious families explore, build, and discover together on Staten Island.
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Mazel Tots Early Literacy Class
A monthly grown-up and me literacy adventure where little learners and their families sing, rhyme, and explore the joy of PJ Library books—together.
Upcoming Family Events
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Pizza My Heart: Love Day Play & Party 2/7 at 10:30
Join us for our second annual Pizza My Heart: Family Love Day Play & Party! This event includes open play, dancing, pizza inspired activities themed around love day and family! Just $25 per family non-JCC member, $20 per family JCC members. Appropriate for ages 0 to 5, older siblings welcome. Event last for 1hr, so please arrive on-time to enjoy all the fun! Event takes place in the 2nd floor gym at Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314. Advance purchase ticket is required. No walk-ins or class passes can be used. Limited space available!
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Peter Rabbit Springtime Family Party 3/28 at 10:30
Join us for our third annual Peter Rabbit Party! This event includes open play, a springtime bunny visit, and literacy activities inspired by the bunnies of Beatrix Potter. Just $25 per family non-JCC member, $20 per family JCC members. Appropriate for ages 0 to 5, older siblings welcome. Event last for 1hr, so please arrive on-time to enjoy all the fun! Event takes place in the 2nd floor gym at Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314. Advance purchase ticket is required. No walk-ins or class passes can be used. Limited space available!
Children’s Birthday Party Entertainment for Ages 0 to 9
With two options to party with us, we ensure affordable, out of the box, and memorable entertainment for your child’s special day!
New Add-On: The Ms. Rachel Impersonator Experience
Due to popular demand, we are offering a Ms. Rachel-style impersonator to our party offerings. Ms. Kaitlynn will come dressed as this beloved character for live singing, dancing and interactive fun for little ones!
If you’re looking for the best Ms. Rachel impersonator in the NYC area, look no further! As a trusted educator and party professional, Ms. Kaitlynn ensures accuracy to both age appropriate developmental party activities and likeness to the character.
This experience can be added to any currently booked party or future parties. We are based in Staten Island, NY and travel to NJ, Brooklyn and Manhattan for a small fee.
Montessori Registration
LIMITED SPOTS: This beloved Montessori program is back and better than ever! This affordable early learning program is 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. Join us for a consistent and fun journey with the same group of families, ensuring continuity and community throughout our sessions.
Dates in Session: Select Mondays from 10:30am to 11:30am. We will be in session the following days: 1/5, 1/12, 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30. Note that we will be closed for MLK Jr. Day, 1/26, and President's Day / Winter Break. Registration and pricing is for all dates. No walk-ins with class passes will be permitted.
Cost: $250 non-JCC members, $200 JCC members. Equates to only $25 per class. 20 sessions in total. Each class is 1hr long.
Location: Bernikow JCC, 2nd Floor Gym, 1466 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314
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!
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.