COMBO Playdate

Giving back to families in our community 

The Center for Early Relational Health is deeply committed to understanding and improving family health, which we know is rooted in community health. As part of our Direct-to-Family strategy, we feel strongly about creating events that don't just talk about community health, but actually impact it in tangible ways. 

The COMBO Playdate is our annual event in Washington Heights, to give back to the families in the vibrant community where we are so fortunate to do our research. This fun, free block party connects young families with tangible resources, meaningful support, and each other.

Tangible resources for families 

Last year, thanks to our sponsors and partners, we gave over $17,000 worth of free resources and activities to the community, like hopping on the BioBus (a mobile science lab), mental health resources, day passes to kid-friendly spaces around NYC, CPR kits, children’s books in English & Spanish, tickets to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, free children bank accounts, and so much more. 

Fun-filled family activities 

Many of our Playdate offerings are designed to support child development, including sensory stations, seed planting, arts & crafts, music and dancing sessions, and the always-popular rubber ducky fishing. Other activities support family and community well-being, like CPR training & certification, dental workshops, blood pressure checks, and free lead testing for toys. Some activities are just plain fun! 

Scroll down to read about last year’s Playdate. And please join us for this year’s event! 

Save the date! The 5th Annual COMBO Playdate 2026

Sunday, May 3, 2026 
2:00–4:30 pm
Haven Plaza, Washington Heights, NYC

All NYC families are invited, and it’s completely free. We hope to see you there.  Reserve your spot! 

COMBO Playdate 2025

05/03/2025
Haven Plaza, Washington Heights, NYC

Our team is deeply embedded in the Washington Heights community and committed to long-term impact. Nearly 700 attendees came out for last year’s Playdate, where we featured 30 local partners offering free developmental screenings, books, music, hands-on activities, and tangible resources that matter to the community.

It was a fun-filled afternoon of hands-on activities that brought children and caregivers together to explore science, health, and creativity under this year’s theme: DISCOVERY. Check out the event flyer for a full description of all the activities and shows that were scheduled. 

2025 Activity partners & sponsor organizations

Discovery Activities: BioBus, Hudson River Park, New York Botanical Garden, New York Public Library

Entertainment: FogoAzul, Cheerleaders from Inwood Academy, and HYPE Dance Community

Organizations: Fire Department New York (FDNY), Inwood Academy for Leadership, LesserEvil Snacks, LINC (Literacy in Community), Manhattan High Schools Presidents Council/District 4, Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, New York Presbyterian (NYP) CHALK Program, NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene Healthy Homes, NYC DOHMH: Division Family and Child Health, NY Foundling, NYP Peace Program, School in the Square, TraumaFreeNYC (NYP), Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC), and Washington Heights/Inwood Food Council 

Columbia Departments: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Center for Children’s Environmental Health, ClementineCollective, ConneCT, Nursing Program, Cognitive Development & Neuroimaging Laboratory, College of Dental Medicine Pediatric Dentistry, Institute for Training Outreach and Community Health (InTOuCH), Mailman Community Health Equity Collaborative, Office of Academic and Community Partnerships Program in Occupational Therapy, and Columbia Printing Department

Local Business: Alcielo Beauty Studio, Anthony Flowers, Chick-fil-A, El Manantial Bakery, IHOP, Kidville, Mediterraneo Pizza, NHS Hardware, Peligro Sports, Starbucks, Subway, The Edge Hotel, and The Plug