Some of us are heading back to school, and some of us still have a few more weeks to enjoy the Summer of Play. As the rush to get school supplies, clothes, and backpacks heats up, don’t forget the simple pleasures of our city. Leave the madness of the mall behind and take those kids for a hike, a picnic in the park, or just let them stretch their little bodies on the monkey bars. If the need for an activity hits, head to a museum or a concert. Or try one of our five picks from this week's family events calendar.

Fall is upon us, which means soccer season is about to begin. And the recent World Cup has caused kids of all ages to become obsessed with the sport. If you have a child who wants to learn to bend it like Beckham, there are plenty of programs on Long Island, from parent and child classes, development clinics, traveling teams and more. And for other after-school activities, check out our Classes and Activities Guide.

Whether you’re trying to expand your children’s cultural horizons, connect them to their roots, or just looking for something different, Boston is the place to be. We have language classes for multilingual kids, international playgroups, and world music classes. We also have classes for kids to learn dance traditions from distant lands. Boston kids can learn Flamenco, Bollywood, Irish Step Dance, Mexican Folk Dance – even the Lion Dance you see performed at the Lunar New Year celebration every year. I’ve rounded up dance classes from all over the world, from Armenia to West Africa, offered to children right here in the Boston area.

It was a big week in my household as we celebrated my daughter's ninth birthday—twice (and we have one more party coming up at my mother-in-law's this Saturday. Remember when kids just got one bash?). Of course, summer birthdays can be a bit of a drag since so many friends are away. But we've been making up for it by getting the most out of the waning season, and we've got some fun trips planned to water theme parks, Coney Island and even Martha's Vineyard.

Speaking of isles off Massachusetts, our Boston site just published posts about the best things to do with kids on Georges Island and Spectacle Island, two historic Governors Island-like spots that are worth exploring if you're visiting Beantown. Want to go even further? On our Travel site you'll find a roundup of the best summer activities for kids in Burlington, Vermont and reviews of two VT resorts offering cool summer getaway packages. We've got closer day trip ideas, too: Our Long Island site recently spotlighted seven spots to get face time with animals in the Hamptons and Westchester profiled historic mansions with interactive activities for families.

While you're having all this fun, don't forget to share photos of your family on social media to be entered to win our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE grand prize: All the fixings to host the Ultimate Summer of Play Bash, including a $200 gift card for Imagine Toys, a $100 gift card for Big Dot of Happiness for custom party tableware, banners and favors, and delicious organic snacks from Kind, Ella's Kitchen and Earth's Best. We're picking our big winner next week so it's your last chance!

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

There's something for every taste this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, with a variety of offerings--culture, nature, entertainment and a good cause. For starters, and adding to the numerous events this summer that expose Westchester residents to international culture, the Annual Moonviewing Concert allows visitors to experience Japanese culture and arts.

Get in touch with nature at the Wildlife Adventure or the hands-on workshop Preserving the Harvest: Canning. Additionally, the Art & Science Workshops continues with a nature theme.

Also on tap this weekend, there’s Family Fun Night, the South Salem Fire Department's Carnival, Worldfest: Free Performing Arts Series and the final installment of Arts in the Amphitheater: Movie Nights, which presents a twist on the traditional movie under the stars. Additionally, the New York Renaissance Faire continues this weekend.

To support a good cause—and quench your thirst—patronize Annual Lemonade for Leukemia, which offers more than just lemonade!

Read on for more on these events and be sure to click through to the event listing to get full details. Also, our August Go List highlights our top picks for the month! And be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed about area events every weekend. Don't forget: our event calendar includes suggestions for every day of the week, so check back often to keep your kids engaged and having fun this summer!

The summer is whizzing by, but there's still a few weeks left in August to make it a good one. Take in some live children's theater in Garden City, Smithtown or Port Jefferson. Explore the great outdoors with Seatuck's free Family Nature Club on Sunday. Smell, eat, see and play with all things potato at the Long Island Potato Festival in Cutchogue (kids under age 12 are free).

And for those of you out on the East End, be sure to check out CMEE's Summer Concert Series every Tuesday this month. Mommy Poppins Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide is a proud sponsor and we'll be on hand each week with a new prize to give away!

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.

Historic mansions may not be the first thing kids (or their parents) think of when planning a fun-filled outing, but take a closer look. Westchester County is home to several historic homes that offer visitors more than just a glimpse into the past. Many have dedicated kids programming, annual and seasonal events, fairs and festivals and stunning displays and exhibitions. We've covered many of these events on Mommy Poppins, including the debut of Lightscapes, and the annual Sheep-to-Shawl and Great Jack O'Latern Blaze at Philipsburg Manor.

Now we've got the scoop on six historic mansions throughout Westchester that are worth checking out with the entire family. These architecturally stunning homes have been restored or maintained throughout the years (and in some cases, centuries) and offer a peak into prominent, wealthy family life (in the case of the Rockefellers), colonial life during the 18th century and so much more, as well as interactive programming that brings history to life in fun, educational and unforgettable ways.

The weather forecast for this weekend is sunny and in the low 80s -- perfect weather for getting outside. Early birds can go corn-picking this weekend on Verrill Farm. The Ignite Festival lights up Union Square with fire spinners and great food. Check out the Wharf Festival, part of the week-long Summer on the Waterfront series. You can party country style at Faneuil Hall with the Hoedown at the Hall, or meet Wally the Green Monster at the Stone Zoo. Interested in catching an outdoor movie? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace are both playing on outdoor screens this weekend.

Also on Mommy Poppins this Weekend:

• Tara gives us great ideas for things to do on Spectacle Island and Georges Island. And the ferry to the Harbor Islands is free this Friday as part of the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays, so there is no better time to visit.
• Stephanie gives us 5 Ways to Incorporate Technology into Our Play -- more great ideas for our Summer of Play Challenge. There is still time to enter to win a Go Out and Play pack from Kaboom so don't forget to share your pictures with us on facebook, instagram, and twitter with the hashtags #playmatters and #summerofplay.
• Ally gives us the recipe for Blueberry Yogurt Pops, so you and your family can cool down after all that playing outside.

Don't forget to check the Mommy Poppins calendar for even more fun, and enjoy your weekend!