Spring is right around the corner, which means baseball season is about to start. If you have a little one dreaming of turning into the next Derek Jeter, you'll certainly want to take them out to a batting cage to try out and strengthen their hitting skills. You can spend a few hours hitting balls--or you can couple it with another activity as many batting cage facilities also go-cart racing and mini-golf.

And for more sports-themed fun, be sure to check out our Indoor Play Spaces, Sports Centers & Fun Zones Guide.

It's been an exhilarating week here in NYC. Now that winter has finally let go, my daughter and I took a long walk through our East Harlem neighborhood and spotted the first signs of spring: daffodil buds and Mister Softee trucks. And, like many of our fellow public school families, we participated in a citywide protest criticizing Governor Cuomo's controversial teacher evaluation proposal (glad we didn't have to do it in the snow).

With all that activity, the upcoming school recess can't come fast enough as far as we're concerned. Our Travel site has an enticing roundup of spring break family travel deals in case you're looking to take a full-fledged vacation to Florida, California or Mexico. Or check our regional sites for great seasonal day trips like New Jersey's seaside Jenkinson's Aquarium, the construction-themed amusement park Diggerland, which reopens this weekend, and the end of maple sugaring season in Westchester.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Soho is famous for its high-end shopping. And even though its highest profile children's shop, the Scholastic Store, has closed, there are still some great places in the neighborhood to pick up cool kids' clothes and toys, and enjoy storytime or a high-tech children's workshop. So go beyond the outposts of national chains like Joe Fresh Kids and Diesel Kids, and check out these (mostly) independent small retailers.

New Jersey is known for its rich musical history. Birthplace of both Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, the state has deep rock n' roll roots. It's no surprise that New Jersey kids love to rock out too. We've found some great New Jersey kids bands and performers that are sure to entertain your little music lovers. From rock to pop to folk our picks know just how to keep your little ones jamming. Whether you're looking to book some entertainment for a birthday party, or just catch a great public performance, our list below has you covered. If your child is a budding musician who wants to be the star of the show, check out our post on the Best Music Classes for NJ Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Is it just me, or does being a parent sometimes feel like running a marathon? It’s just go, go, go, first to your kid’s favorite movie, then to a birthday party, introducing them to art and music and really big plants, helping them learn about robotics, and history, and science.

The hope, of course, is that there’s a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, that all our efforts will be recognized, and that in 75, 100… heck, in 2000 years, they’ll still be saying “Well done. What you did with that kid was worthwhile.”

Or not. Not every kid is an Einstein. But with a little instruction, they can all learn to make pancakes. 

Keep reading for our most noteworthy picks for this weekend...

Whether you are Irish or not, this weekend holds lots of fun for Philly families. Performances, science activities and St. Patrick's Day fun fill the Mommy Poppins events calendar.

There are many shows from which to chose. Hitting the stage this weekend are The Frog Prince in Melrose Park, Blue Man Group in Lancaster and Balloon Freak John Cassidy in Phoenixville. Science-related activities are in full force as well. The Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington hosts its Try Science workshop and The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia honors pi, the mathematical constant 3.1415926..., on 3/14/15 with Pi Day fun.

Yet, for many, the month of March means one thing, and one thing only: St. Patrick's Day celebrations! Whether it is a St. Patrick's Day parade, treasure hunt, performance, run or hike, everyone can feel a little bit Irish this weekend. And secretly, everyone is wishing to find a leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Come on, admit it;)

Look below for our top picks for the weekend. Don't see your event? Please feel free to submit it to our calendar. And, don't forget to like us on Facebook to see our latest posts.

With St. Patrick's Day on a Tuesday this year, Boston families can get a jump on the wearing of the green with fun events all weekend. Some of the most festive events around town include South Boston's signature parade on Sunday and the Irish Festival in Foxborough. For a taste of Irish history, Irish Heritage Trail Guided Tours in Boston might fit the bill. Traditional performances of A Little Bit of Ireland, A Celtic Sojourn, or the Irish Balladeers are also great options to get the family in the St. Patty's Day spirit.

Other things to do this weekend include the Boston Flower and Garden Show, as well as some pretty cool celebrations of Pi Day at the Boston Children's Museum and Ultimate Pi Day at the Ecotarium. Other special performances this weekend include Rumplestiltskin, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, and the chance to see the BYSO on Parade.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Check out these sporty birthday parties for your active kids.
• Making these Egg Carton Flowers can get you and the little ones thinking spring!
• Get a jump start on your summer plans by attending one of these Summer Camp Open Houses.
• Our roundup of Things to Do with Boston Kids for St. Patrick's Day can fill your calendar this weekend and into the coming week.
• Thinking about taking the kids to see the new Cinderella movie? Read our review first!

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full events calendar!

Now that we've had a taste of (hopefully) warmer temps to come, perhaps the whole gang can enjoy some outdoor St. Patrick's Day fun. Build a Leprechaun Trap at the Maritime Explorium or learn about Irish pirates and create your own Jolly Roger at the Whaling Museum. Craft lucky finger puppets at the Long Island Children's Museum or party it up at As You Wish in Bellmore or Darlings & Divas in Amityville.

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter, which now also includes a weekday roundup of activities for Long Island kids running Monday-Friday.