KaBOOM! is a nonprofit with an awesome mission: to create places for kids to play. The national organization—which was founded by Darell Hammond in 1996—helps to erect approximately 200 playgrounds a year, primarily in low-income areas.

This past May, I attended an amazing playground build at East Harlem's 103rd Street Community Garden, which was co-sponsored by KaBOOM!, Disney and the New York Restoration Project. Since it's just one component of the 13,000-square-foot site's overhaul, it won't reopen until this fall. When it does, there will also be basketball courts, picnic tables, barbecue pits and a community garden. 

In addition to facilitating the actual construction, KaBOOM! provides tools and grants to help groups finance and build their own playgrounds. We've got the info on how you can help KaBOOM! construct play spots for others or in your own community.

Can you believe we say goodbye to July this weekend? Summer always seems to move so quickly. Already, the back-to-school push has started, and we're all counting down the remaining days of break. (My six-year-old is actually marking them on her calendar.)

But August has 31 days! How much fun can you pack into them? There's certainly a lot to do beyond the usual pools, water playgrounds and beaches. The Rubin Museum of Art just opened a new education center, Theatreworks USA's free musical The Yellow Brick Road plays through August 19 and you can always celebrate the season by reading a beautiful book about summer.

And if you have plans to travel to Boston, Los Angeles or Orlando, we have some exciting news: We're launching editions in each of those cities in August (the exact date has yet to be determined). To make sure you're notified when they go up, sign up for the newsletters now. We're also working on a Family Travel site, which will cover destinations all over the U.S.A... and beyond.

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

Whether you’ve thrilled to a hot air balloon ride or just love looking up at a sky filled with huge colorful balloons, you’ll love this weekend! There’s two fests–a smaller one with rides and fair fun; and a huge one with hot concert action. Speaking of concerts, check out the FREE “Grease” performance on the Hoboken waterfront, or the stars of tomorrow performing a tribute to the Big Apple. There’s also fairy fun, an indoor play party, and Thomas the Tank Engine. Up, up and away!

We’ve got some wonderful events lined up for you this weekend! From a picnic with teddy bears, to helping to find lost ladybugs there is something for everyone to enjoy! Read on to see where you and your family can have fun this weekend.

Don’t let all the back-to-school ads fool you: There are still five and a half weeks of break to go. Now that last week's record-breaking heat wave is behind us, it's time to get back out there and enjoy summer in the city.

And there's plenty of fun to be had. Roller-skate the day away at the brand-new High Line Rink, build your best sandcastle at the Rockaways' legendary competition and get hep at Great Jazz on the Great Hill. There are also a number of wonderful cultural events. Hit the Queens County Farm Museum for the annual three-day Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow, get psyched for the upcoming Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at the Museum of Chinese in America's Festival Family Day and celebrate Hispanic heritage at Junta Hispana.

Even though the weather will be milder, with temperatures in the 90s, you'll still want to spend some time cooling off at New York City pools, water playgrounds and beaches.

Our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.

Eat outside with your family, but let someone else take care of the food, and the dishes. Outdoor dining brings you and yours great views, excellent food and none of the work. We’ve got some great Long Island outdoor dining spots listed here that offer something for everyone.

There are a bunch of fantastic outdoor events this weekend. Lots of sunflowers and weekend festivals. You'll find our best bets listed below. Interested in going on a family kayaking expedition? Check out our post about where to go and what to do. We also posted about Fairfield County's best beaches on a budget. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, have fun and enjoy the lazy days of summer. And remember, you can always find additional seasonal fun in our Events Calendar.