Cool tech news Listening to my seven-year-old daughter talk about Scratch and Java like a digital native has convinced me that all kids should be taught programming basics, and that girls, especially, should be encouraged to keep up with the boys in that arena. That's why I'm so thrilled an organization like Girls Who Code exists and is offering a FREE seven-week summer immersion program for 10 and 11th graders. Applications are due by Thursday, February 27 so if you know a girl who qualifies, apply online ASAP.

Girls and boys of all ages will be able to enjoy the New York Hall of Science's soon-to-open Design Lab where young makers can work on a variety of creative high- and low-tech projects in five separate areas. The permanent attraction is slated to open in June and will be a nice complement to the museum's Maker Space.

More maker movement fun: The Makery is hosting a pop-up studio the weekend of March 1-2 as part of the 92nd Street Y's 7 Days of Genius fest. Hands-on workshops for children (and adults!) include game and toy design, rubber-band-powered vehicles and Rube Goldberg machines. Find all the details and book your spot online.

Openings & closings A reader using our Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go App told us the sad news that popular Park Slope pizza parlor Two Boots closed its doors after 24 years back in November. It was one of our top things to do with kids in the neighborhood and is already missed—the alligator ride out front is even gone. A more upscale, less kid-friendly Cajun eatery is set to open in the space sometime later this year.

Another goodbye to a longtime local family biz: Planet Kids, the store where I once bought a crib for my now-14-year-old, is going out of business at the end of the month, citing competition from online outlets. Both the Upper East and Upper West Side locations are offering major discounts on all merchandise while supplies last.

And now for some happy news: The pool at Stuyvesant High School, which offers day passes and memberships to the public, has reopened after a multi-year renovation. The full-fledged Community Center also offers low-cost swim lessons, as well as basketball, tennis, badminton, yoga and other athletic classes.

High culture at cheap prices NYCgo, the city's official tourism site, has a great online hub for discounted entry to a host of NYC culture spots. Visit the NYC Culture Collection to find out how to save 20% on admission to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Joyce Theater and even the Metropolitan Opera.

City Lore, a long-time nonprofit celebrating NYC's cultural history, recently moved into its permanent East Village digs and will open with an exhibit dedicated to graffiti and trains in April. Sounds like a great companion piece to City as Canvas at the Museum of the City of New York.

Puppy love Saying no to a pet just got harder now that Animal Care and Control of New York City has unveiled its mobile adoption center. Adorable dogs, cats, rabbits and other creatures in need of homes will be available for adoption right from the truck. Visit the website for the schedule of stops.

Skate by Been meaning to check out the new South Street Seaport ice-skating spot but haven't gotten around to it yet? This week's a great time to go since the rink is offering half-price admission, skate rental and bag check through Friday, February 21 in honor of February break.

Late for school And one final word (for now) on Kindergarten Connect: Last month we told you the deadline to apply for kindergarten through the DOE's new online tool was Friday, February 14. The deadline has been extended to Thursday, February 20 since many parents hadn't even heard about it. Except our in-the-know readers of course.