The award-winning New Victory Theater in the heart of Times Square has long been a local 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 interactive educational activities like performance workshops and camps, the organization is raising the next generation of theatergoers.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary season, the New Victory is bringing back popular past productions, as well as showcasing new works by theater companies behind former favorites. So Mommy Poppins is particularly excited to partner with the New Vic for the third year in a row. Throughout the season, we'll be giving you access to its incredible lineup of shows, ticket discounts and a pair of exclusive events for Mommy Poppins readers. We kick off our partnership with a preview of the New Victory's 2015-2016 season, including show recommendations for every age and stage, tips on how to save on tickets and clips from the upcoming productions.

Few places celebrate their musical heritage quite like Long Island. From rock’s Lou Reed to pop’s Ashanti and hip hop’s LL Cool J, Long Island has cultivated its own unique sound and celebrities. But even the legendary Billy Joel had to start somewhere.

Parents in Suffolk County have a number of options should their child express a musical inclination. From group clinics to at-home instruction, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places for your developing virtuoso. See websites for current programs and pricing. Parents who’d prefer to cross the county border can see our post on music classes in Nassau. And don’t forget our Long Island Classes Guide for other after-school options.

This week is all about museums. Scientific discovery begins with curiosity, and no one has more of that than a springy monkey called George. The Discovery Cube LA opens a new exhibit dedicated to this rapscallion and his long suffering friend in the yellow hat.

The mummies have arrived at the Natural History Museum. Mummies are indeed fascinating but can sometimes be a bit scary for little ones, so tread cautiously. In Santa Ana, The Discovery Cube debuts Hot Wheels: Race to Win, an investigation of the science behind speed. Two museums that don’t need special scheduling are The California Science Center in Exposition Park and our new contemporary art museum, The Broad, both of which are always free.

Get the creative juices flowing this week at artsy, crafty fall events throughout New Jersey. Kids have the opportunity to create garden crafts at Story Time: Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt, instruments at Tinkering with Sound and apple creations at both Apple & Potato Printing and Fall Preschool Nature Classes. They can also have an art-filled night out at Kids Only Paint Party. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

This week we've collected some of our favorite activities from across the state, including the annual Durham Fair, a Full Moon Hike, and a Makers Event. Apple picking is ripe right now. Check out our guide for a great pick your own farm to visit. You can find lots of other ideas in our jam-packed Event Calendar. Enjoy your week!

Fall has arrived, and with it comes a variety of family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. From fairs and festivals to Halloween fun, there is plenty to do each and every week. So be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar often. Want activities sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter.

That chilly fall air will be here before we know it, so I for one plan to extend summer for as long as I can. Luckily, we've still got our pick of great outdoor events to keep kids happy all week. Looking to head indoors? Maker spaces are all the rage these days, and with good reason. What kid doesn't love crafting, building, and inventing? With the grand opening of a new MakerSpace (pictured) at the Children's Museum in Easton this week, kids South of Boston can get in the game. Finally, one last item to keep on your radar for the coming week: ArtWeek Boston opens on Friday with tons of special activities, many of which are free. 

If you find yourself with some extra time now that the kids are in school, consider joining our team! Mommy Poppins Boston is looking for freelance writers who live in the Boston area and love to explore the city with their kids. If you're interested in applying, email Roberta at la@mommypoppins.com. 

Many NYC kids are looking at another abbreviated week of classes with the just opened public schools closed on Wednesday and Thursday for Yom Kippur and Eid al-Adha, respectively. We've added extra options for cool kid weekday activities on those days for families not observing the holidays. And don't forget, we told you last week about the great upcoming fall theater, local festivals and pumpkin patches and a newly opened Environmental Educational Center in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Our best bets for Monday, September 21-Friday, September 25 include the grand opening of the Children's Museum of Manhattan's interactive, NYC-themed installation, FREE collaborative lantern-making workshops, kite flying and a sneak peek at Maker Faire. Of course, you can find lots of other ideas in our jam-packed Event Calendar.