One of the nicest surprises about raising Noah now (versus when Chelsea and Conor were little), is the vastly improved design of most things baby-related. There are so many more options for beautifully designed, well-made furnishings, toys, books and equipment to choose from – especially in the area of contemporary design.
So imagine my delight in discovering the Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center, at Scandinavia House in New York City. Scandinavia House is the largest center for Nordic culture in the U.S. It houses a well-edited store (think the MOMA store but with Scandinavian-only items), restaurant (with Arne Jacobsen chairs, of course) and gallery spaces. The building is close to Grand Central Station and I had passed it many times over the years, curious about what was inside. And then I read about the recently renovated children’s playspace, named best in New York by New York Magazine. It was described as providing the “sense that you’ve stepped into an idealized Finnish children’s furniture catalogue circa 1975.”
Hello? They had me at “Finnish” – we were SO going!
I was immediately struck by how clean, bright and welcoming the space is. The first section is devoted to imaginary play, and Noah really enjoyed the grocery store/kitchen, Lego table (how groovy does that look? LOVE the birch legs!) and large Brio table.
I was finally able to tear him away, pointing him toward the “tunnel” leading to the sensory room.
More cozy and dimly lit, Noah explored the light tables, blocks and books, and especially loved the giant “mushroom” – which he must have climbed in and out of a dozen times.
Even the coat room and shoe cubbies were cool.
I wish we had had more time to check out the store and eat at the restaurant, but we will definitely be back to visit soon!
No ball pits, bouncy castles or water tables, and a train ride home to boot. A pretty “vidunderlige” (wonderful) day.
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
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How did I not know about this place??!! And they screen Scandinavian film too – my fave at film festivals!
My six year old might be a little too old for the place space but we will try it out when next in NYC…and I’ll get my Scandinavian fix- I DO have series 7 chairs in my dining room.
Whoa! Can’t believe I showed YOU something! Definitely worth a visit…………..
That looks awesome!!
It was! It was! 🙂
your adventures with Noah always make me smile. This one sounded awesome. Going to have to check it out with Jack, for sure! (But I’ll stay for the meatballs…)
Thanks Sarah – I think Jack is at the perfect age and you will love it! 🙂
This place is so cool. I would love to take Nathaniel there. He would be so excited!
I think you’d be more excited. 🙂