Albeit temporary, a brand new installation, Swale, has made its home at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and we are thoroughly impressed. Swale is both a sculpture by talented artist, Mary Mattingly, and a functioning farm located on a barge made from recycled materials. Beyond the beautiful setting is a hands-on learning opportunity showcasing the impact of food sustainability, as well as demonstrating value in reusing our planet's natural resources. Oh, and did we mention that this exhibit is FREE?

Wondering where you can sink your toes into a 40-mile stretch of sand featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Look no further than Cape Cod. Of course, as a New Englander, I may be biased, but only slightly. Without dispute, the waves, ponds, marshes, and dunes that comprise the Cape Cod National Seashore are magnificent. Add biking and hiking trails, historic landmarks, old lighthouses, wild cranberry bogs, miniature golf, and delicious ice cream parlors, and you have a recipe for coastal adventure and lifelong memories.

Given a child’s spongy mind, it’s no surprise to learn that kids who learn a second language at a young age may benefit from increased cognitive advantages. While some families may not wish to enroll in a full-on immersion or bilingual preschool, classes that teach Spanish may be more fitting for your child.

We’ve gathered up several places in Westchester where your preschooler can learn Spanish. While the choices are varied, the one thing they all have in common is an emphasis on fun.

Looking for more enrichment classes? Be sure to consult our Classes Guide and our directory, and don’t forget to visit our Preschool Guide. 

It seems maker spaces are popping up all over New York City this fall. We just profiled a new spot on the Upper East Side, and now there's a new STEM center the Upper West Side. The just opened Skill Mill NYC, though, expects to appeal to a slightly older demographic and more advanced set of makers—middle school kids, teens, and adults—in part because of its heavy-duty and very cool tools. Remember how Tim Allen on Home Improvement always asked for “More power?” At Skill Mill NYC, you're gonna get more power. A massive laser cutter will let students handle wood, leather, cardboard, and other significant materials for big projects, plus there's a 3D printer and other sophisticated design options and tools.

Read on for the scoop on NYC's latest state-of-the-art maker space, and for more high-tech fun, be sure to check out our STEM Guide.

Whether you're Jewish, half Jewish, or just trying to figure out why your kids have a random day off school, you may want some suggestions for celebrating the Jewish New Year next week. Most LA area schools have a day off for Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur the following week (known, apparently, in biblical times as "Admissions Day"). We have some suggestions for family activities to ring in the year 5777; or, if the High Holidays are throwing a wrench in your week, we can suggest some camps that have your back on school holidays.

For more than two decades, the award-winning New Victory Theater in the heart of Times Square has been a local family favorite to catch entertaining and affordable productions for all ages. But it's much more than just a place to go see a show. Through a range of educational offerings like hands-on workshops, interactive pre- and post-show activities, and performances to accommodate audiences with special needs, the organization is raising the next generation of theatergoers.

Mommy Poppins is proud to partner with the New Vic for the fourth year in a row. Throughout the season, we'll be giving you access to its incredible lineup of shows and special exclusive events for Mommy Poppins readers. We kick off our partnership with a preview of the New Victory's 2016-2017 season, including show recommendations for every age and stage, tips on how to save on tickets, and video clips from the upcoming productions.

In certain parts of New Jersey, it seems like you can’t walk more than a few feet without stumbling upon a spot where George Washington and the Continental Army made history during the Revolutionary War. Indeed, New Jersey is known as “The Crossroads of the American Revolution,” and Washington spent more time in our strategically located state than anywhere else during the war. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it: the Revolutionary War happened all around us.

Whether you're looking to put a little educational spin on your next family day trip or your child is suddenly turning into a budding historian, a visit to one of these historic spots can make a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in New Jersey. You'll see old barracks and monuments, hike along nature trails, and even enjoy hands-on activities and demonstrations at places like the Princeton Battlefield State Park. 

Read on for five of the best sites in NJ for kids to soak up a little American history.

Quick survey: What’s your favorite part about fall? If your priority list looks anything like ours, apple cider doughnuts have secured a top spot. Think of them as the reward you earn after long hours of apple picking.

We've gathered up our favorite places, many of which offer them fresh from the fryer so they're still warm when you buy them. Looking for more fall fun? Take a look at our Fall Fun Guide and follow us on Facebook!