This edition of our biweekly news post includes all upbeat info—no closures, no bummers! Find out about a bunch of brand-new FREE enrichment programs for kids, a couple of worthy crowdfunding campaigns, a big Brooklyn maker space coming to Manhattan and how your kids can try to snag a trip to Hollywood for the premiere of Disney's Big Hero 6.

As we gear up for fall and Halloween, we're bummed to report that two of our favorite seasonal family events aren't happening this year. But not all of our news is bad. We've got the scoop on a pair of veteran NYC businesses that have been saved from extinction, two enhanced green spaces, a fabulous two-for-one Off-Broadway ticket deal, a contest for photo-happy teens, how families can get involved with the People's Climate March and, just when you thought it was safe to finally "Let It Go," prepare yourself for more Frozen!

The big news for many NYC families this week is, of course, the first day of school for more than 1 million public school students. But as you ease back into your old routine, we've got some fun news for you, like FREE rides at Coney Island's Luna Park, eye-popping art in unexpected places (you'll need to look up) and nature volunteering opportunities for teens. Plus, we've got the scoop on a handful of notable openings and closing on the NYC family scene, and a few other tidbits.

Summer is winding down and the back-to-school season brings all kinds of educational news, including the release of the standardized test scores and questions from the spring, plus updated info on new hours for about 450 public schools! Plus, we've got the scoop on upcoming auditions for the TADA! Youth Theatre Resident Ensemble and the Young People's Chorus, how to register for the NYC Parks Department's FREE after-school program, and news about a few sad NYC closures. Since time is short these last days of break, we're keeping this one brief!

It may be the lazy days of summer but we're going full throttle here at Mommy Poppins with (almost all) good news. In fact, we have lots of things to sing about, in particular a brand-new series of kiddie music classes created by children's music legend and NYC mom Laurie Berkner. Plus info on signing up for this year's edition of Morningside Lights, how to snag two-for-one Broadway theater tickets come September, the latest on the battle to keep public school student data private, the sad closure of an Old New York soda fountain and other tidbits of interest to NYC families.

"Sunny day, chasing the clouds away." No matter how old your kids are now, you probably recognize those lyrics (heck you may have grown up with them, yourself). That's why we're so psyched about the new Sesame Street exhibit coming to the Performing Arts Library this fall. We've got the scoop on that plus a new urban farm on Governors Island, how you can find FREE gift cards hidden throughout the five boroughs, high-tech school lunch inspiration, no-cost craft demos, and we weigh in on the never-ending overprotected kids debate.

It wasn't until I recently overheard a group of moms passionately discussing party balloon decorations that I realized what a hot topic it is. A really fabulous themed balloon installation can make a young kids' birthday party seem extra special, and at the end you can give them away as fun favors. Even teens and grown-ups aren't immune to the charms of over-the-top balloon art. Bonus: Unlike flowers, balloon centerpieces won't trigger seasonal allergies (though a sudden pop might scare a tot or two).

While pretty much any old party store carries balloons, if you're looking for something unique or customized (and are willing to pay the price... beautiful balloons don't come cheap), you're going to want to go to the experts. We found eight stores and services in NYC that specialize in balloons for all occasions, from kids' birthday parties to sweet sixteens to bar mitzvahs to weddings.

We've got news both good (a new Staten Island carousel!) and bad (the demise of Bowlmor Union Square) to share today. But we may be most excited about the new baby at the New York Aquarium! (Once you see the pic, you won't be able to stop "awww-ing.") Plus, help NYC kids in need by donating school supplies to Operation Backpack, be part of a massive Times Square multimedia art installation, the downtown Lego Store needs more time to assemble and Brooklyn has an intriguing new museum dedicated to death. (What? Like you'd expect such a museum in any other borough?)