We've known for a while now that Brooklyn is the borough for fancy ice cream. Blue Marble and Van Leeuwen serve hormone-free dairy while Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is famous for its eight classic flavors made in small batches.

Now there's a new purveyor on the block: Ample Hills Creamery in Prospect Heights, New York City's first ice cream parlor that makes its signature sweets totally from scratch on-site.

After a few delays, the shop is scheduled to debut early next week. (Call ahead to be sure it's open: 718-670-3346.) We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the parlor last month, and we're still screaming for the ice cream.

There's a ton of fun to be had in NJ this weekend (if the weather decides to cooperate), so grab the offspring and head out for ocean fun, a children's festival, a family fun day, a tea for your junior fasionista, a fairy festival... okay, the "f'" alliteration is getting to be a bit much. But have a fiesta anyway!

So much to do, so much to see, so much to explore this weekend! Whether you want to embrace the culture of art, learn about life at sea, explore a tranquil garden, or witness the a sheep shearing, we've got some awesome variety for you this weekend. With so much to choose from, how can you not have a fantastic weekend?

The first time I ever rode my bike was on a parking lot behind my elementary school. I remember the wind in my hair, and how the bells on my handlebars seemed to ring in celebration with me. Even though it was a little area, I would often imagine that I was riding along a woodland jungle or a beach with calming waves. As I got older I was able to live out my imagination on a bike trail. Some were 8 miles and some were longer, but I remember riding those trails with my cousins and friends and how free and fun it felt. Now as a mother, I am looking forward to letting my children experience those same feelings by taking them on a bike trail. It’s inexpensive fun for families that promotes a healthy lifestyle, creates lasting memories and helps explore the land around you. Here are some excellent bike trails for you and your family to discover together this year!

Sick of the rain yet? Well good, because it's supposed to be dry and sunny this weekend. There are lots of outdoor events, including two Touch-a-Truck fests, the wildly creative Hudson River Pageant and the annual celebration of talented moms, Mamapalooza.

For animal lovers, there's the Doggie Pedal Parade around Washington Square Park, the Fleece Festival at the Prospect Park Zoo, a petting zoo at the 14th Street Y’s Farm in the City Fair and a Red-Tailed Hawk Reunion in Riverside Park.

Indoor fun also abounds. The main branch of the New York Public Library celebrates its centennial with storytelling, family theater, live music and free ice cream. Comic book fans will dig the Big Apple Comic Con. The Whitney Community Day is full of artsy amusements, and the Morgan Library & Museum throws its Medieval-themed spring fair.

Read on for all of our best bets for the weekend and remember, the Mommy Poppins Event Calendar lists many additional options.

My preschooler just scored a scooter for her birthday. Now I know that scooters lead to bikes, which means cycling is just around the corner.

I'm really looking forward to riding with my family—but not to storing all of those bikes. Who has the space for three cycles in a NYC apartment, I ask? Not most of us, which means I'm going to rely on rental spots to keep us on wheels.

I did the research, and here are some great places that rent bikes at reasonable prices—sometimes even for free! Happy Bike Month!

There you are, making dinner in your kitchen surrounded by peeling cabinets, ugly wallpaper and a cracked counter top, watching yet another family getting a dream kitchen makeover on TV and wondering, “Why not me? How on earth do they get this?” Believe it or not, it’s easier than you think to not only be featured in a home remodel, but to receive a personal makeover, free professional advice, game show prizes and more.  Speaking as a veteran of HGTV’s “Dear Genevieve,” (photo at left is my remodeled kitchen!) the “TYRA” show, “LXTV”, REDBOOK, ALL YOU, and the CBS “Early Morning Show”; and having been chosen for, but turned down, many more opportunities including “Wife Swap”, “Rocco to the Rescue” and “Honey Please,” I know that you’re what they’re seeking.  You just need to know where to reach them and how to position yourself.  Read on, and ready yourself to shine in the spotlight!

Just 100 miles from New York City, the City of Brotherly Love has a spirit all its own and is loaded with history and activities that appeal to kids of all ages, from tots to teens. NYers can drive to Philly in approximately two hours; my family likes to stay the night at the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, which has an artsy vibe, and the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, with its small indoor pool.

Whether you're a local, visiting for a day, or staying the weekend, here are 13 fun activities to get you started. For a deeper look into Philly fun, check out our list of 100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up.