Family bonding series: Fishing with the kids

Spending time in nature with the kids is always a great idea.  Not only do they have fun and learn a lot, but they also get to spend time away from technology and urban centers like New York City. 

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One of the most worthwhile activities children can do with their parents is fishing, and not just play-fishing, but real fishing.  There are a few essential points parents should remember when fishing with their kids.

While parents may be tempted to get toy rods for the kids, they are nowhere near durable for actual fishing.  There are, however, cane and light spinning rods available that kids will be able to use.  Go easy on the lines as well.  Four pounds of monofilament is as good a start as any, as well as small hooks.

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Before taking their children fishing for the first time, parents should teach the kids the basic principles at home.  Let them practice holding the rod, and simulate casting and pulling movements. Educating them on location may frustrate them and rob them of the fun of it all.

As for bait, crickets and worms work best with the kids.  Bobbers, on the other hand, add to the excitement of the experience.  In fact, there are bobbers in fishing stores that have cartoon characters on them. 

Joseph Cianciotto is a digital media native and family man from Long Island, New York. For more articles like this, visit this blog.  

A walk in the park: What families can do in Central Park

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Central Park is known as a haven for New York natives and visitors alike. It provides a refreshing change of scenery from the concrete jungle of Manhattan, and does not even require long-distance travel. The urban park covers a total of 843 acres, providing plenty of activities for families to delight in. A few examples of what families can do in Central Park are the following:

Visit the Central Park Zoo: Approximately 200 different species of animals are well taken care of in the Central Park Zoo. The children’s zoo inside also has exhibits that children of all ages would certainly find memorable.

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Take a ride on the Friedsam Memorial Carousel: Ever since it was built in 1871, the carousel has been a favorite for park visitors. While it is typical for the attraction to draw long queues, several balloon, hotdog, and popcorn vendors offer an enjoyable distraction for the kids.

Bask in nature at the Conservatory Garden: The only formal garden in Central Park, the place is littered with beautifully-kept flowers and pruned bushes, and the Untermeyer Fountain, which consists of the bronze sculpture, “Three Dancing Maidens.” The place is quite serene and free of bicycle riders, making it perfect for families to take a peaceful stroll in.

Watch a Marionette Theatre performance at the Swedish Cottage: Imported from Sweden in the late 19th century, the Swedish Cottage is the stage of nostalgic, old-fashioned marionette shows that are based on old fairy tales.

Read more on how to create lovely memories in New York with your family visiting this Joseph Cianciotto blog.