Kids love to run, jump, hang, climb and flip—and most are just as likely to tackle the playground monkey bars as they are to use their bed as a trampoline. Channeling that energy and sense of adventure through a sport like gymnastics can be a great way to enhance motor skills and encourage safe play and exploration, making it an ideal first activity for many young children (honestly, who doesn’t love a jumbo-sized trampoline or a massive foam pit?)

Whether you have an aspiring Gabby Douglas on your hands, or are jut looking to try out a new (and incredibly fun) activity, gymnastics classes may be just what you're looking for. We’ve explored gymnastics centers in Westchester; now we're taking a look at a few great options in the Lower Hudson Valley.

In the Eastern quadrant of the state, nestled among Shenipsit State Forest, Shenipsit Lake Reservoir, and Soapstone Mountain, is the town of Ellington. Once a rural farm town, Ellington, due to its relative proximity to Hartford from Tolland County, is growing fast (it has the 6th fastest growth rate of all towns in the state). It has, however, retained much of its bucolic charm. With its beautiful public beach, airport, dwarf orchards, and handcrafted furniture at Kloter Farms, it is worth a visit if you are in Eastern Connecticut.

Are the back-to-school blues invading your home, too? Between the release of New York State's standardized test scores and a never-ending barrage of commercials for classroom supplies, I had to show my kid the calendar to prove that there are actually four more weekends to go before school starts. That's plenty of time to take a day trip to a nearby beach, water park, quaint town or kid-friendly winery (okay, that last one is mama's choice). But frankly, we'd rather just stay put in the city enjoying all the summer activities NYC has to offer—after all, who needs the country when Central and Prospect Parks are your backyards?

Another reason my child should be thankful she's summering in NYC? Kids in lots of other places have already gone back to school. Take Scottsdale, Arizona: As per our Travel site, there are many cool things to do with kids in town, but locals went back to class weeks ago. 

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

I’m sorry, what’s that? I can’t hear you because I have my fingers in my ears so that I won’t hear the ticking clock that’s about to go off and declare the end of LIFE AS WE KNOW IT summer break. A whole bunch of our summer favorites are coming to an end: adios LevittLA Children's Concerts; on the flip side, County Fairs; see ya later, Getty Garden Concerts; not if we see you first, other free outdoor summer concert series.

What’s that you say? Plenty of summer still awaits? (Seriously, I can’t hear you, fingers still in my ears.)  Slather on the sunscreen for tons of this-weekend-only fun, like a sand castle building extravaganza (does anything say "summer" like building a sand castle?), a summer festival (which by definition proves it is summer), and a summer block party (just like a summer festival, but with sno cones and funnel cake).  There's also D23, the gathering for everything Disney, festivals celebrating crawfish, rocketry, and Echo Park, and the chance for your talented teen to audition for American Idol (or you, if you're young enough and have the pipes). 

Remember, it ain't over til the bunny sings. On the big screen. With live orchestral accompaniment. At the Bowl. Because that's what's up, Doc.

Keep reading for summer's last hurrah....

Visits from out-of-town friends and family featured prominently in my childhood; and while, sure, the guests were here to see us, their number one agenda item was generally to see “Hollywood,” – and I’m not talking about that boulevard that was so shabby and run down in the 70s. Our visitors were looking for a glimpse of the movie industry.

My mom was an expert tour guide, who knew where all of the movies stars lived and was only too happy to drive around the basin pointing out sights for the star struck. It’s been years since I’ve toured my home town in this way, but recently we had visitors from Europe whose number one wish list item was The Walk of Fame. (Kudos to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for making sure word about this iconic sidewalk made its way to Slovenia!) My feeling is that we should all channel Lucy and Ethel when we are showing off our glamorous town. Think about where those two dizzy dames would want to trespass, then find a legal way to show it to your guests.

My family and I are still making progress on our end-of-summer bucket list, and this weekend offers tons of excellent opportunities to check off some of those boxes.

If you had a chance to look at our August GoList, you probably noticed all the festivals going on this month, and this weekend is no exception. Celebrate everything from the sea to favorite summer crops to children themselves!

Sometimes the best activities are the ones you didn't expect to find, so for something completely different, stop by the Old State House (pictured) for a dive into the past.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Looking for fun ways to fill the long days between the end of camp and the beginning of school? Maybe it's time to hop in the car and take a summer day trip!
• Our parent review of the Shaun the Sheep Movie can help you decide whether to take the kids to see it before school starts.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!