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| NYC Dads Group pose as superheroes at Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N Exhibit |
An advantage of living in New York is that the city has so much to offer. There’s a lot to see, a lot to do. But it’s fun to share the city with a group of friends, too. It’s an uncomfortable slice of life, that when you have children, you disappear from your single friends for a while.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my son. Liam is precocious, intelligent and great company. He’s a beautiful boy in a good mood all of the time, which puts me in a good mood, putting him in a better mood, and so on and so on. We have a great time together. But it’s nice to hang out with the guys, too. The NYC Dads Group provides those opportunities.
We had been trying to hook up with an NYC Dads Group for quite a while. But due to Liam’s scheduling, we hadn’t been able to make it out to any meetup events. Being a giant nerd, however, meant I had to make the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) event coordinated by the dads group. I dressed Liam and I up in our best Marvel shirts (that were clean that day), braved the tourist-thick wilds of Times Square, and met with the Dads at Discovery Times Square.
Wow. Just wow. To say we were blown away would be an understatement. It would also be getting ahead of ourselves.
First off, kudos to Discovery Times Square for their Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibit. It was fully immersive and completely entertaining. It matched the quality of the Marvel movies many of us have come to love. Staff were spot on, dressed as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents in tactical gear, and they knew their stuff. They carried the attitude and backed it up with trivia. I know, I tested them, and I’ve been living with these characters all my life. So, standing ovation to the staff.
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| Exhibit co-creator, Mark Smith, having fun with NYC Dads Group |
Lance Somerfield, co-founder of NYC Dads group and host of the event, was approachable and friendly. He welcomed Liam and I personally, and made strong efforts to speak to everyone in attendance. That set the mood for the day, and everyone chatted and laughed as they spent the day with superheroes.
Teresa Brady, a Discovery Times Square team member, was available to keep things going smoothly. Friendly and courteous, Ms. Brady calmly dealt with the joyous cacophony of dozens of children (and Dads) geeking out over their favorite superheroes with polished professionalism.
Mark Smith, one of the creators of the exhibit, was on hand to give the Dads a custom tour, and he was excellent. He was friendly and informative. When the exhibit suddenly opened up into a stellar cartography room with an Asgardian theme, I was lost in wonderment. I’d dreamed of exploring the cosmos since I was a little boy, and here was my chance!
Of course, navigating tabletop touchscreens while holding a squirmy 17-month old can be a challenge. But there was Mark, casually guiding me through the science and mechanics until I grasped them. Outside of NASA, there was nothing like this simulator. I spent long moments lost in the dreams of my childhood, gazing at the stars from different angles. I could have stayed there all day. That room alone was worth the trip.
And that was just one room! Besides the exploring the stars with Thor, there was a room for Captain America, filled with World War II mementos, both versions of his iconic shield, the transformation ‘Birth Pod’ chamber, and plenty of games and challenges. A lab for exploring gamma radiation was next, with a gigantic holographic Hulk, occasionally roaring at you.
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| Liam with Iron Man’s Arc Reactor |
Trinkets, costumes, props and gadgets abounded. There was a Hall of Villains, and you finished up with Tony Stark’s workroom, crammed with Iron Man armors, interfaces, games, and the Arc Reactor itself. Your kids will also enjoy the opportunity to control Iron Man’s hands!
If you’re a Dad, Stay at Home or otherwise, sign up with NYC Dads Group. They are very active taking advantage of all that New York City has to offer parents and children, this exhibit being just one example. Whatever you’re into, sports, Broadway shows, or just getting away for a beer with the guys, with or without kids, this group has you covered.
As for Liam and I, we’ll be joining many more events with NYC Dads Group. After all, they make us feel superheroic!
NYC Dads Assemble!
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| Chad and Liam with a real Iron Man costume from the film |
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| NYC Dads Group being recruited and receiving their orders |
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| Lance, Jake, and the real Captain America costume from the film |
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| Chad, Liam, and Jake having fun with Iron Man |
Disclosure: Discovery Times Square was generous enough to offer NYC Dads Group complimentary tickets to the exhibit to enjoy the experience with their children. This act of kindness did not influence our thoughts about the exhibit.
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