As the weather gets cooler and activities turn indoors, there's no reason kids have to stop playing the sports they've grown to love--or are expressing an interest in trying out. Luckily, there are a few places across Long Island that offers children the chance to stay active no matter what the weather is like outside. These complexes offer indoor sports facilities that cater to leagues for little ones, clinics, birthday parties and more. And for more extra-curricular activities, check out our Long Island Classes Guide.

If you’ve ever visited Washington, D.C., you’ve probably felt the pang of jealousy that entry to the Smithsonian Institution is free. Who wouldn’t want to see great art and rotating exhibits without opening their wallet? Well, now’s your big chance. Saturday, September 27, marks the 10th annual Museum Day Live! On this day, hundreds of museums nationwide offer free admission to visitors, orchestrated by Smithsonian Magazine. Of course there are many fantastic NYC museums participating in this event but we are happy to report that there are also several museums throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley that are also partaking--and we've got all the details! Read on to find out which museums are participating, how to get your FREE tickets and other fun perks.  

Applying to preschool is one of the most important (and potentially harrowing) experiences for young children and their parents. It’s the beginning of their education, their introduction to schooling and their foundation for a life of learning. In NYC, we are lucky to have many preschool choices available, but it can be a lot of work to figure out which one is best suited to your child.

We asked directors from participating preschools at one of our recent Preschool Fairs to share their insights about the admissions process and what parents should look for in a program. Who better to explain how to navigate this journey than these experts, who help families find the right schools for their kids every day? Read on for their top tips.

As a cliched jaded New Yorker, I am rarely starstruck. But I found myself grinning like a baby when I met Bob, Maria, Oscar the Grouch and Abby Cadabby at a special preview of the Sesame Street exhibit that just opened at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. (Look for my full review on Sunday.) When I was growing up in NYC in the '70s, Sesame Street was my preschool experience. But early childhood education today is a whole other world. That's why we're proud to be sponsoring this Saturday's Lower Manhattan Early Childhood Education Fair with HRP Mamas, where parents can meet preschool directors from some of downtown's most prestigious programs while tots have fun making adorable WeeWork clothespin critters at the Mommy Poppins table. The fair is FREE but preregistration is required.

Fall officially arrives next week, which means apple- and pumpkin-picking season are about to kick into high gear. This week we updated a bunch of posts in our Pick Your Own Guide including the best apple orchards in Westchester and Rockland County, and the top pumpkin patches in New Jersey, on Long Island and in Connecticut's Hartford County. And if you're on the hunt for giant corn mazes, try Long Island and Fairfield County, CT.

Happen to know a few kids in Massachusetts who are doing great things for their communities? Then nominate them for our Beantown site's Kids Who Really Rock contest. Finalists will be featured in a Mommy Poppins Boston post and get to appear on stage at the Boston Kids Really Rock music festival. One grand prize winner will also receive a $500 donation to a charity of his or her choice. We're accepting names through Saturday, September 27 so tell all your friends in MA.

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

This weekend we officially welcome fall and the many seasonal events we can look forward to. Last week we noted the beginning of the fall-festival craze, and this weekend continues that trend. Take your pick among Fieldhome's Annual Fall Festival, the Southern Westchester Food and Wine Festival, the Peekskill Rotary Horse Show and Country Fair, the Hudson Valley Harvest Festival, the FDR Pow Wow and the ANDRUS Run for Kids Fall Festival. Additionally, the New York Renaissance Faire ends this weekend, and Bear Mountain Oktoberfest continues.

For alternative entertainment, little kids will enjoy the Junior League of Bronxville's Touch-A-Truck Event, which combines fun and a good cause (and not just trucks, either!). You can also take in a Family Concert, “let it go” at Fall Flicks or, if your kids are mature enough, catch a double feature of the first two Godfather movies at The Alamo Plays the Hits Film Series.

Read on for our top weekend picks. If you see something interesting, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and all week long!

From the East End to the Queens border, there's a fall festival for everyone this weekend. Set sail to Greenport for the Maritime Festival or head to the Bellmore Family Street Festival for one of the island's largest feasts of its kind. Enjoy blue ribbon contests and pie eating at the Queens County Fair

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

Autumn is a special time in our fine state, especially in scenic Litchfield County, where tourists flock each leaf season. Forbes.Com noted Litchfield Hills as a "Top Ten Must Visit Fall Foliage Destination." If you would like to check it out for the first time or a repeat trip, you'll want to read our post on  Scenic Fall Family Activities in Litchfield County. Rosh Hashanah is next week and many schools will be closed. Here are some things to do and places to go in Fairfield County to celebrate.

Fall and Halloween activities are endless in CT and we help you sift through them with several articles including Halloween Train Rides in CT, Pumpkin Picking with Kids in Hartford County , Pumpkins, Hay Rides and Fall Fun in Fairfield County, Fall Fairs and Festivals in Hartford County and Corn Mazes with Kids in Fairfield County. 

Nothing tastes quite like a freshly picked apple. Confused where to go? Consult our Apple Picking Guide or Best Pick-Your-Own for Toddlers in Fairfield County for plenty of ideas.   

Our events calendar is always updated with the latest happenings, and here are suggestions for this weekend!

We have some beautiful weather forecasted for this weekend as we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. You can take advantage of the warmth at the Trails and Sails festival in Salem, the Stony Brook Fall Fair, or the Metro Fest in Framingham. Celebrate the autumn equinox with the Revels River Sing in Cambridge. The end of summer also brings Swan Boat season to a close.

If you are looking enrichment opportunities, Firefly Kids Yoga Studio and Fashion Focus have open houses this weekend.  Parents of older children with disabilities can explore options for transitioning from school to work at the Statewide Transition Conference.

If your children have always wanted to explore African Drumming, this is their weekend! Catch a performance by the Crocodile River Collective, then attend an African Drum Workshop. Or explore drum rhythms a the Discovery Museums with Dooni Dooni: Little by Little (and since the Discovery Museums are having a Pay as You Will Admission Week, it is a great time to visit).

Also on Mommy Poppins this Week:

• Celebrate the arrival of autumn in Boston with this list of 20 fun things to do with kids this fall.
• Kristin gives a candid review of Dora & Diego and Happy Feet, two 4D movies playing at the Museum of Science.
• Get details on a new indoor play space for tots in Quincy.

Please see our calendar for more festivals, performances, and other activities. Whatever you choose, enjoy your weekend. And remember to nominate a local kid for our Kids Who Really Rock contest!