OpenHouseNewYork Weekend with NYC Kids: Festivals, Historic Houses and Interactive Activities

OpenHouseNewYork is one of those amazing, (mostly) free, citywide events that we just love. New Yorkers of all ages are invited to explore hundreds of local sites like historic buildings, contemporary architectural marvels, amazing private residences and newly redesigned green spaces and waterways. While OHNY isn't a family event per se, many of the destinations are family-friendly, and some spots host activities specifically aimed at kids. For example, this year's OHNY, which takes place Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, includes an interactive dance performance at the Elevated Acre and drop-in design workshops at the Center for Architecture.

For the second year in a row, OHNY has teamed up with the Historic House Festival (formerly a separate event), which means 23 additional buildings will also be offering no-cost admission and special programming, like a backstage tour of Central Park's Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater and tours of the historic ship Lilac.

Both events give kids a whole new perspective on this city and its rich history—visiting and seeing and experiencing is a lot more interesting than reading about these places in books. Of course, like many annual NYC events, OHNY and the Historic House Festival are super-popular. While you can drop in to some activities, others require reservations, and they're going fast. So if you see one that interests you, move on it right away!

Must-See Public Art Installation for NYC Kids: Discovering Columbus Six Flights Above Columbus Circle

We're always on the lookout for cool public art installations since they're usually offbeat and always FREE. And the minute we read about Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi's brand-new Discovering Columbus installation—which is, essentially, a modern American living room built around the 13-foot marble statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle—we knew we had to get it on your radar.

Unlike most public art displays, Discovering Columbus isn't the kind of thing you can just walk up to and look at. Since it's 60 feet in the air, there are many stairs involved. Plus, due to all the (we suspect justified) hype, visitors must download no-cost timed tickets in advance. (We already have ours!)

Spa Birthday Parties for Kids (Central Connecticut)

Some of you have been envisioning this moment since baby girl was in utero.  Some of you cannot believe you just googled the words 'spa party'.   Either way, we've simplified the search for you in Central Connecticut, finding salons and spas that will provide the works for your girly girl and her gaggle of little girlfriends.  There are also several companies that simplify the  process by bringing the glam team to your digs. For even more great party ideas check out our Party Guide.

Animal Care Classes for NYC Kids: Feed, Care and Talk to the Animals

My kids, like so many others, are obsessed with animals. My son in particular has been campaigning hard for a puppy, but so far, we’ve remained an animal-free household. Of course there's only so long I can put him off. That's why I was thrilled to find out that there are lots of animal care classes for kids, so he can get his cute critter fix, and I can keep my sofa free of fur and scratches.

Taking an animal care class is a lot more hands-on than visiting a petting zoo. Children find out how much work goes into looking after them and what a big responsibility they are. They also learn respect and compassion for all creatures. So next time your child asks for a four-legged pal, consider signing them up for one of these animal care classes for kids instead (hey at least you'll find out if they're ready to clean up poop).

GIVEAWAY! 2 Tickets to see SPANK! The 50 Shades Parody at the Bushnell

This one is for moms (and dads) only! Mommy Poppins CT is giving away 2 tickets ($70 Value) to this new show which is a musical parody of Fifty Shades of Grey, the risqué novel which recently surpassed Harry Potter to become the fastest selling paperback of all time. Michael Mills, producer of SPANK!, says audience members can expect “a laugh-filled evening that captures all the escapist fun and absurdity of the novel. The Fifty Shades characters are brought to life with sexy and fun musical numbers.” Part Second City, part Chippendales, SPANK! delivers big laughs, sexy fun, and lots of surprises.

Lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m. in order for ticket holders to enjoy the company of friends and partake in a signature SPANK! cocktail. Fans can take a photo with the star of the show, and meet and greet the entire cast following each performance. If you don't win the tickets, don't fret. Mommy Poppins CT readers can get a $5 discount per ticket by using the password: GREY. Sounds like it could be a fun girls' night out!

Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Florida: A (Sur)Really Unique Museum Experience

One of my favorite outings from our trip to Clearwater Beach Florida, was a day trip we took to St Petersburg to visit the Salvador Dali Museum. The Dali Museum has a huge collection of Dali paintings from his days as a student through his entire career. Kids should find the surrealistic paintings interesting, observing the odd juxtapositions of images, hidden pictures within pictures, as well as the famous melting clocks.

Go, Dog, Go! at the Mile Square Theater

When you can capture the imaginations of a theater full of children with only a few actors, a few props and very few words, it seems that your play may be a hit. This is the case with MP fave Mile Square Theater's "Go, Dog, Go!" Gentle and unhurried, with bold colors, striking images, catchy music and tons of physical humor, "Go, Dog, Go!" is a breath of fresh air for our (not yours, of course, but somebody's) screen-obsessed kids.

This Week: Early Halloween Fun for NYC Kids, Pumpkin Patches Near NYC, World Maker Faire, Morningside Lights

We're just saying goodbye to September and already the Halloween season seems to be upon us. (As any kid can tell you, you can never start celebrating too early.) We've already begun updating our NYC Halloween Fun Guide since lots of big seasonal favorites are about to start, like the Bronx Zoo's Boo at the Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden's Haunted Pumpkin Garden and Historic Hudson Valley's Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze.

Speaking of jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkin picking season has arrived. Find out where to grab great gourds less than an hour from midtown Manhattan or check our Farm Guide for other pumpkin places on Long Island, in New Jersey and Western Connecticut. Pumpkin picking is a wonderful activity for next week's Columbus Day holiday weekend.

If you're still trying to plan your activities for this weekend, you have a bunch of truly exceptional events to choose from, including World Maker Faire, the Dumbo Arts Festival and the Morningside Lights Illuminated City Parade. That's my daughter and her friends in the photo, beaming proudly about the wire skeleton they made for a clock tower lantern in one of the free preparatory art workshops. We can't wait to see it lit up on Saturday night! Here's what else we covered this week on our NYC site:

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