A new kids' athletics program opening in Queens this September is betting that the girls of Forest Hills might appreciate a little "gals-only" gym time.  

GAALS (Girls Athletic and Life Skills) combines sports with life-skill lessons and promotes its classes as a way for girls from kindergarten to sixth grade to gain physical and mental confidence—"to feel comfortable participating, instead of standing on the sidelines." Each class includes time spent on a physical task like playing catch and then a less tangible skill, such as teamwork. Volleyball and leadership is another example.

Although my daughter isn't yet old enough to participate, in the Lean In era, I was eager to check out any NYC class where girl empowerment was a theme. Read on for Mommy Poppins' scoop on this new NYC class offering, what to expect and how it got started.

School has only been in session a week, and already I am learning so much. I am learning about the many ways to see aquatic life in Southern California. I am learning about the many ways to experience Little Tokyo. I am learning what it's like to drink a cup of coffee uninterrupted.

Not one to hog all the learning, I plan to offer some educational opportunities to my daughter as well. This weekend, for example, she can learn about the 1950s, Iberoamerican folk art, and the music of Veracruz.  She can learn to write a travel journal, make a Chinese lantern, dance Flamenco, and play the ukulele. And because Momma gets hungry, she can learn how to make pizza (both foccaccia and classic style).

And after all that learning, I think we'll both have earned a little treat.  Perhaps some vegan soft serve (free).  Perhaps a concert (free). Perhaps a movie (free.  Or maybe free). Because if I've learned anything in my week of school, it's that nothing beats free.

Feel free to keep reading to learn our favorite picks for this weekend....

Ok, I'll admit it. I bought pumpkin-flavored Pop Tarts at the store this week. What was I thinking? I know it's August and there is still summer fun to be had.

Explore the creeks at Green Lane Park or Norristown Farm Park. Tour Woodford Mansion and discover what life in the 18th century was like or visit Pottstown Manor to learn about trades and crafts during the same era. Take a train ride to experience a Civil War Skirmish. Afterwards, relax with a summertime concert at Glen Providence Park or Franklin Square. Or check out a most unique performance by Invisible River beginning at Mander Recreation Center then traveling to St. Joseph's University's boathouse.

Our jam-packed Events Calendar is full of even more ideas to fill your weekend with fun. If you haven't subscribed already, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter which is delivered every Thursday. Savor all August has to offer before Halloween decorations, Trick-or-Treat candy and pumpkin-flavored everything become the new normal. Have a great weekend!

It's officially the last weekend before my kids head back to school, and I can't believe we still haven't made it to any of the outdoor flicks that have been going on all summer! At least there's one last chance to remedy that on Saturday by catching either Maleficent or Despicable Me. After this weekend, events start heading indoors. (I know! It's so hard to believe fall is around the corner.) Other opportunities for last-minute fun before homework sets in include something new at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston and something old in the streets of the North End.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week: Summer's end isn't all bad. Once school starts, these places give you access to the stars in Boston.  

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

Get the family all aboard for some fun with trains at the Railroad Festival in Riverhead this weekend. Ride, see and play with trains all day long. Or have your prince and princesses get the royal treatment at this special Tea Party in Oakdale.

On Sunday, spend the afternoon at Eisenhower Park on a playground, playing miniature golf or watching family-friendly puppet theater.

Remember, you can find even more options in our jam-packed Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide. To receive our posts in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletters.

This is it. The opportunity for one more August weekend hurrah. With only a couple of days left before the onset of early bedtimes and hectic morning routines, it's important to make the most of the last days of summer. Maybe you're heading to the beach one more time, or looking to explore an outdoor museum. If you're seeking a sweet experience, consider touring Fascia's Chocolates or scouring the menu at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. 

This weekend is packed with family fun in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. Good things seem to come in pairs: Two large-scale fairs—the Dutchess County Fair and the New York Renaissance Faire; two military-themed events—Living History: Military Reenactment Day and New York Air Show; and two nature-themed highlights—Muscoot's 40th Birthday and Hands-On Nature Programs for Curious Kids.

But that’s not all! Read on for details about these events and others happening this weekend, then consult our Event Calendar for more extensive listings every day of the week. 

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.