Weekly Wrap Up: NYC Beaches, Beach Clubs and Places to Get Wet

5/26/11 - By Raven Snook

With temperatures climbing into the 70s and 80s, we're all about cooling off. This Memorial Day weekend, local beaches and beach clubs open for the season, and given the forecast we suspect playgrounds may turn on their fancy water features.

We've also got some fantastic summer camp deals, and an invitation to an exclusive advance screening of the family flick Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

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New York City

If getting wet in the city is on your agenda this three-day weekend, we've got you covered. We profiled seven sandy shores, including an extensive look at Coney Island, all just a MetroCard swipe away. (If you prefer the Jersey Shore or Long Island beaches, we won't hold it against you.)

For those already planning their summer staycation, we rounded up seven nearby beach clubs (one's in Brooklyn and two are in Queens!), which offer all kinds of amenities including private shores and pools.

Of course, you may not need to go further than your local playground to cool down. While the Parks Department offers 600-plus sprinklers in this town, we highlighted 15 of our favorite parks with exceptional water fun

Don't worry if you haven't yet signed up your kids for summer camp. We found 25 fantastic programs that still have space! And we're offering incredible sales on camps, too (more on that below).

Is baby No. 2 on the way? Then check out our post on great double strollers. Make sure to read the comments: Parents are very passionate about their choices!

We also visited the New York Transit Museum and had an awesome time.

And of course we shared our best family events for the holiday weekend, which include Fleet Week, Manhattanhenge and the opening weekend on Governors Island.

New Jersey

Across the Hudson, our bloggers highlighted Memorial Day. Let your kids know it's not just another day off by attending a veterans parade or commemoration.

Weekend events include a number of popular annual festivals like the Family Garden Party at Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in Upper Montclair.

Long Island

Taking a cue from NYC's CSA post a few weeks back, our LI writers found five local farms that offer shares to families.

Best bets for the holiday weekend include the Annual Air Show at Jones Beach, which is convenient since that shore is one of the lovely Long Island beaches we profiled.

Connecticut

CT continues its Ethnic Meals series with delicious Israeli dishes.

Memorial weekend highlights include many parades and festivals.
 

Cool Deals and Giveaways

Right now, Poppins Perks is all about our Sizzling Summer Camp Sale. Save up to 50% on a dozen wonderful camps. We've got all kinds of programs, day and sleep away camp for all ages. Spots are filling up fast so if you're interested, now's the time to buy. Plus you get to feel really great about the bargain: 10% of the proceeds of our sale will help send NYC kids in need to summer camp, too.

Is your kid counting down the days until Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer hits theaters? Well, she may be able to see the film before it's even released! Mommy Poppins is hosting an exclusive free advance screening of the flick. Click here for all the details and a chance to snag tickets.

And we're also giving away four Total Experience passes to the Bronx Zoo plus a behind-the-scenes tour to one lucky family.