After a long work week, those precious weekend evenings can be a great time to do nothing… but even the biggest movie renters among us cannot help but also covet some grown-ups’ nights out. What to do if your babysitter can’t make it?

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of supervised drop-off evening programs that can give your kids as much of a fun evening out as you:
   
One Great Example: “Parents’ Night Out” at the McBurney Y in Manhattan

“Parents’ Night Out” at the Y started off as a once-a- month event, but overwhelming demand has turned this into a popular offering available every Saturday night, from 6-10 pm. The program is open to members and non-members; advanced reservations are suggested. While you enjoy the evening out, the kids are treated to a pizza party, arts and crafts, gym activities and– unique to this program– swimming. The evening culminates with popcorn and a movie in the recreation room.

For children ages 3-12 (they must be potty- trained). Cost is $30 for the evening for a child of non-members, if booked in advance; 50% off additional kids in the family.

www.ymcanyc.org/mcburney or call 212-741-9210
 
   
Another Option: “Parents’ Time Out” at Power Play, in Brooklyn

On the first Friday of the month, Power Play recreational center, in Park Slope, Brooklyn holds “Parents’ Time Out” from 6-9 pm. Parents can drop their kids off and go out, or stick around and take evening classes for themselves.

The program is open to kids ages 3.5 and up (again, must be potty-trained). Kids get a pizza dinner, enjoy activities with trained adults like arts and crafts, gymnastics, rock-climbing and dance. Cost is $35 per child; additional children in the family are 50% off.

For information, call 718-369-9880.
 
   
Or consider coming into the city for a separate-but-equal night of fun at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers offers a “Flip and Flick” program on periodic Saturday nights from 7-11 pm. Kids are treated to pizza, supervised sports activities, popcorn and a movie… while parents can use the time to hang out elsewhere in Chelsea Piers, or leave and come back.

“Flip and Flick” is for kids ages 5 and up. Cost is $40/child; $20 for additional kids in the family. Reservations must be made in advance.

www.chelseapiers.com or call 212-336-6500

Check your local Y and recreational centers for other options near you

“Parents’ Night Out” programs are sprouting up at locations around the tri-state area and around the country. We’ve heard of similar programs, for instance, at the Y in Rye, NY and at the North Jersey Dance and Gym in Ledgewood, NJ. Ask and ye may find.

Or share your suggestions with others at the Executive Lounge
 
   
And for when you DO have a sitter…

A special offer for Executive Moms on tickets for Broadway’s newest hit: “Brooklyn, The Musical.” From February 1st through February 6th 2005, you can SAVE up to 40% OFF of regular ticket prices. To take advantage, you can print out this page and bring it to the Plymouth Theatre Box Office at 236 W. 45th Street, NYC, or call Telecharge.com at 212-947-8844 and mention code: BKL32PB, or

visit broadwayoffers.com and enter code: BKL32PB
 
  
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