This is first in a series of posts listing free demo classes for NYC kids. Find more free demo classes and exclusive discounts in our second Free Demo Class Post.

I admit, I have a fear of Mommy and Me classes. I'm not sure how it started but every time the idea was batted around in my house I came up with a million excuses why it wouldn't work. But, now that my daughter is two and we are both sufficiently bored of the playground, I've come to realize it's time to take the plunge. Even better, I've realized that she is now old enough to take classes without me having to participate!

If you are anything like me, here is the perfect baby step - FREE demo classes. Before you shell out the money for a weekly class, why not try it out? We have compiled a super long list of FREE demo classes, most of which are held in August and September. From pottery to gymnastics to music to miming so you can see how you and your kid like the class before committing to an entire semester. Plus, a lot of these places have offered amazing discounts to Mommy Poppins readers if you do choose to sign up for the class.  Keep reading to check out our list.

This week's hot tips and important stories for parents, so you can be the most-in-the-knowiest.

Stop Worrying, at least about a few things...I LOVE this article from the Times on 10 Things to Scratch From Your Worry List, including nitrates in hot dogs, carcinogenic cell phones and BPA in plastic bottles which they say is only a problem in really large doses.  Call me crazy but I even started using my Nalgene again after reading this.

Lactavists on the A train- Gothamist reports on National Breast Feeding Week  and a crew of lactavists who rode and nursed on the A train

We all know you secretly sing along to Laurie Berkner, but that doesn't mean you don't occasionally enjoy real grown up entertainment. This week our family friendly activities really are fun for the whole family, focusing on stuff that the grown ups will enjoy for themselves, but we think cool NYC kids will love too.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. What a great way to set the stage and introduce your kids to Chinese culture and the Olympics! This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy two days of dragon dances, martial arts performances, and arts and crafts tent including Chinese calligraphy, rice doll making, paper cutting and other crafts. Plus of course the dragon boat races!

Here's the perfect family event, in my book:

Reader, Bess, from Brooklyn gave us the heads up about yet another place to enjoy free family friendly outdoor movies this summer—Waterside Plaza. Waterside Plaza is the apartment complex/community east of the FDR in the 20s. It can be reached by the 25th Street footbridge over the highway or by taxi or bus at 23rd St.

In August there will be a series of movies, music and dancing on the plaza with views of the East River.

Movies are Monday nights at 8:30. Free popcorn and beverages are available. There is limited seating. You should bring your own folding chairs or blankets. Here's the line-up of free family friendly films:

I'm not a big "stuff" person, but when I do want to ogle, buy or dream about buying kid stuff, I turn to the site Cool Mom Picks where some super savvy moms select the most unique little things for babies, kids and moms. That's why I'm thrilled to announce that Cool Mom Picks is coming to Mommy Poppins. Check out what the girls have found for us this month: 

Now your little monsters can make their own big monsters.

Mommy Poppins reader, Jodi Call, like many NYC parents, is sticking close to home this summer, but that doesn't mean she's not having a blast. With Mommy Poppins, and her friend Kara, as her guides, she's been on a quest with her son, Roan, to make this summer the Best Summer of His Life. (No pressure or anything.)

Lucky for us, she's reported back, sharing four of her best days so far this summer. Read on to hear about some of the great adventures they've been having, what's worked, what she will know better next time, and where the bathrooms were along the way. [Thanks, Jodi!]

Got a tip or suggestion you want to share? Send it in!.

This week's hot tips and important stories for parents, so you can be the most-in-the-knowiest.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the original design of Central Park, you can take a hot air balloon ride to 30 feet above the park. The price is $25 per person, sounds worth it for a once in a life-time opportunity.

The Bush years are dwindling down and that makes me very happy because it means...JibJab is on the case again with funny new political cartoons like their Time for Some Campaignin video. [via Roosevelt Islander]

Time reports that nearly 90% of foods marketed to kids do not meet basic nutritional standards of food. Check out their list of 9 "healthy" kid foods that really aren't. Goldfish are number two on the list because of the amount of sodium. [via GoodyBlog]

More links and our Exit Cuckoo giveaway winner after the jump.

Lots of cool stuff going on this weekend and you don't have to look any further than our events calendar to find our picks. This weekend we've picked out more events that let NYC kids experience two of New York's most precious natural resources, the water, and the artists, all around us.

Starting with City of Water at Governor's Island, this fun day for kids will have a boat parade, fishing clinics, live music and more.

Seining (a fancy word for catching fish by net) at Brooklyn Bridge Park gives kids an opportunity to see that there really is all kinds of creatures living in the waters right here.

At Socrates Sculpture Garden this week kids can create their own anime stop-motion movie.