I’m on my third kid to be obsessed with all things pertaining to the Land of the Rising Sun. For some reason (it may well begin with Pokemon and Hello Kitty) the Japanese experience is a source of endless fascination for the youth of the 21st century. Teenagers, my son among them, can’t get enough of Nipponese culture. And there is a lot of culture: from anime to Gundam, from the exquisite animation of Studio Ghibli to the nutritionally questionable Popin Cookin candy craft kits. For my kids and their friends, Japan is an enchanting island filled with giant robots and animated dust bunnies.

And then, of course there is the food: ramen, tempura, sushi, and –our favorite snack from the Japanese market – a uniquely salty, crunchy cracker called “Soft Salad.” For those who indulge in Fro-Yo, mochi (a sweet Japanese rice dough) has become a staple topping.  

LA's Little Tokyo neighborhood is more than one hundred years old, dating back to the late 1880s. One of only three "Japantowns" in the United States, it continues to flourish today as a major cultural center for Japanese Americans. Geographically, it is bordered approximately by the Los Angeles River on the east, Downtown LA to the west, City Hall on the north, and the Arts District to the south. Though the heart of this unique neighborhood encompasses just a few blocks, it is packed with things to do and see, including an annual Nisei Week in August, museums, shops, bowling, and some pretty amazing restaurants. It is a place to enjoy with the whole family, including those pesky, difficult-to-please teenagers (who can now get themselves there on the metro). We've collected 25 kid-friendly ways to explore and enjoy Little Tokyo.

September may not seem like the obvious time for a family vacation, but there are excellent travel values this time of year and, with school holiday weekends, it can be a great time for a family getaway. It’s one of the least crowded times to visit Orlando’s theme parks, enjoy the still warm Ft Lauderdale beaches, or journey to Southern California for a Disneyland deal. Consider a staycation in trendy Brooklyn, or explore Chicago. Farther away, luxuriate in Mexico or discover Patagonia. If your plans include London or Paris, a new airline is offering business class fares for a fair price. Once you’re in Europe, score a discount on tours that will escort you to some fascinating sites.

Sure, sports birthdays are awesome, and your toddler is sure to have a hit at an indoor play space, but why not try something a little different this year and have a party at a museum? Perfect for preschool and older children, museum parties can tap in to a wide range of interests, whether it’s art or animals or outer space.

We’ve gathered a selection of kid-friendly museums that welcome birthday parties in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley. Be sure to take a look at our Party Planner Guide for even more birthday ideas!

You can see stars all over Boston. No, we're not talking about spotting Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen at the playground with their kids. The stars we're seeking are in the sky over Boston every night – even if the city lights make them a little difficult to see. Stargazing in the city can be very rewarding if you know where to look and you have access to the right instruments, which is where local observatories and planetariums come in. Take your kids to these places to make the whole family feel closer to the stars. 

Take advantage of these balmy, glorious summer days while you still can, Jersey! The return of school and schedules will soon be upon us, so make some warm weather memories with the family this weekend: for big family fun check out the Honey Festival at Oasis Farm or the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival. For a dose of nature in the great outdoors, round up the troops for a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt at the Haggerty Education Center, the Cape May Family Birding Cruise or Discovery Saturday at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

With Labor Day on the horizon, you might assume things would slow down a bit on the East End of Long Island this weekend. That assumption would be  wrong.

This weekend, parents and kids can experience the glamor of the Hampton Classic Horse show, take a railroad trip back in time, catch some fish together and even race a rubber duck or two at the East End’s most recognized landmark, the Big Duck.

So start to get your last licks of summer fun this weekend. Check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in local entertainment, and with back to school looming be sure to see our Long Island Classes Guide for the best in after-school programs Islandwide.

I  loved our recent bowling post because it was generated by a child’s passion and his mother’s quick response. My daughter is crazy for sea life. She never tires of a trip to the aquarium, and aquariums around these parts certainly are plentiful. While many aquariums offer hands-on opportunities for our young marine biologists, there are other ways to experience sea life in Southern California as well: the sea lions molt in Cambria; tide pools abound; the California Science Center is screening an IMAX movie about humpback whales, and–no surprise to Mommy Poppins readers–the grunion run in San Pedro. Southern California has a plethora of sea animals. This summer, I've been indulging my daughter’s fascination with the life aquatic.

Kids on Manhattan's West Side just gained a brand-new jungle gym. The playground sprung up earlier this month near the ongoing Hudson Yards redevelopment project, which is transforming a 28-acre section of Midtown West into shiny new high-rise offices, high-end shops, residences, hotels, restaurants and a public school, as well as access to the 7-train extension when completed. The development is expected to create 14 acres of open space, including multiple green spaces. The newly opened neighborhood park, which houses the newest NYC playground, is a city park operated by the Hudson Yards/Hell's Kitchen Alliance.

We've tested out the new playground, which includes a cool canopy for fending off the summer heat, so read on for our review of this new kid-friendly green space and jungle gym.