NYC public school students don't go back to class until September 9 this year, so what's a working parent to do? Camp of course! While many New York City camps end by mid-August, we've rounded up the ones that have availability in late August and early September (as of this writing).

So skip lugging the kids to the office, and check out one of these summer camps. Ballet? Toy building? Puppet making? French lessons? There are plenty of options, but be warned: You're not the only one scrambling to find something to keep the kids occupied for these last—challenging—days of summer, and camps are likely to book up fast.

Read on for 2015 late summer NYC camp ideas and other warm weather kid activities to try during these last days of school vacation.

In the Eastern quadrant of the state, nestled among Shenipsit State Forest, Shenipsit Lake Reservoir, and Soapstone Mountain, is the town of Ellington. Once a rural farm town, Ellington, due to its relative proximity to Hartford from Tolland County, is growing fast (it has the 6th fastest growth rate of all towns in the state). It has, however, retained much of its bucolic charm. With its beautiful public beach, airport, dwarf orchards, and handcrafted furniture at Kloter Farms, it is worth a visit if you are in Eastern Connecticut.

Are the back-to-school blues invading your home, too? Between the release of New York State's standardized test scores and a never-ending barrage of commercials for classroom supplies, I had to show my kid the calendar to prove that there are actually four more weekends to go before school starts. That's plenty of time to take a day trip to a nearby beach, water park, quaint town or kid-friendly winery (okay, that last one is mama's choice). But frankly, we'd rather just stay put in the city enjoying all the summer activities NYC has to offer—after all, who needs the country when Central and Prospect Parks are your backyards?

Another reason my child should be thankful she's summering in NYC? Kids in lots of other places have already gone back to school. Take Scottsdale, Arizona: As per our Travel site, there are many cool things to do with kids in town, but locals went back to class weeks ago. 

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

I’m sorry, what’s that? I can’t hear you because I have my fingers in my ears so that I won’t hear the ticking clock that’s about to go off and declare the end of LIFE AS WE KNOW IT summer break. A whole bunch of our summer favorites are coming to an end: adios LevittLA Children's Concerts; on the flip side, County Fairs; see ya later, Getty Garden Concerts; not if we see you first, other free outdoor summer concert series.

What’s that you say? Plenty of summer still awaits? (Seriously, I can’t hear you, fingers still in my ears.)  Slather on the sunscreen for tons of this-weekend-only fun, like a sand castle building extravaganza (does anything say "summer" like building a sand castle?), a summer festival (which by definition proves it is summer), and a summer block party (just like a summer festival, but with sno cones and funnel cake).  There's also D23, the gathering for everything Disney, festivals celebrating crawfish, rocketry, and Echo Park, and the chance for your talented teen to audition for American Idol (or you, if you're young enough and have the pipes). 

Remember, it ain't over til the bunny sings. On the big screen. With live orchestral accompaniment. At the Bowl. Because that's what's up, Doc.

Keep reading for summer's last hurrah....

Visits from out-of-town friends and family featured prominently in my childhood; and while, sure, the guests were here to see us, their number one agenda item was generally to see “Hollywood,” – and I’m not talking about that boulevard that was so shabby and run down in the 70s. Our visitors were looking for a glimpse of the movie industry.

My mom was an expert tour guide, who knew where all of the movies stars lived and was only too happy to drive around the basin pointing out sights for the star struck. It’s been years since I’ve toured my home town in this way, but recently we had visitors from Europe whose number one wish list item was The Walk of Fame. (Kudos to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for making sure word about this iconic sidewalk made its way to Slovenia!) My feeling is that we should all channel Lucy and Ethel when we are showing off our glamorous town. Think about where those two dizzy dames would want to trespass, then find a legal way to show it to your guests.

My family and I are still making progress on our end-of-summer bucket list, and this weekend offers tons of excellent opportunities to check off some of those boxes.

If you had a chance to look at our August GoList, you probably noticed all the festivals going on this month, and this weekend is no exception. Celebrate everything from the sea to favorite summer crops to children themselves!

Sometimes the best activities are the ones you didn't expect to find, so for something completely different, stop by the Old State House (pictured) for a dive into the past.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Looking for fun ways to fill the long days between the end of camp and the beginning of school? Maybe it's time to hop in the car and take a summer day trip!
• Our parent review of the Shaun the Sheep Movie can help you decide whether to take the kids to see it before school starts.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

It seems to happen every year. Back to School sales featuring school supplies, uniforms and backpacks infiltrate on the last remaining weeks of summer fun. Fortunately, this weekend's Event Calendar provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy summer before school schedules take over.

Savor the beautiful summer landscape at Longwood Garden's Meadow Days, learn about the life of a pirate during Fort Mifflin's Pirate Days or see trucks and cars up close at Chester County's Touch A Truck event. Or, perhaps you'd like to check out a summertime festival since the Festival of India,  Watermelon Festival and Caribbean Festival are all happening this weekend.

If you are still trying to plan your weekend, read on to see our top picks, many of which are free. And, don't forget to check out our August GoList. There is still plenty of summer left, no matter what the Back to School ads say. Enjoy!

Have a groovy time at North Hempstead Town's KidStock in Port Washington. This family-friendly open air event will have musical entertainment. Families can also indulge in some culture this weekend at the Polish Fair in Riverhead, or get in touch with the outdoors by using nature to create art in Greenlawn.

And of course, everyone will want to enjoy these last few weeks of summer by spending time outdoors. Sit under the stars and enjoy a concert in Long Beach or movies in Lido Beach.

Remember, you can find even more options in our jam-packed Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide. To receive our posts in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletters.