North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
North Pole - various times
Weekly Wrap Up: Free Camping in NYC Parks, NYPL's Centennial Festival and the Moms of Mommy Poppins
Is it us, or did the week go by really quickly? Not that we're complaining. We've been planning our weekend since, oh, Monday or so.
Although Mother's Day is behind us, moms are always No. 1 in our book. That's why we kicked off the week with a slide show of the moms at Mommy Poppins and their kids, and asked our readers to share their pictures on our Facebook page. It's not too late! Log on and show off your fabulous family.
Technically it's still spring but with temperatures in the 70s, we're starting to think about all kinds of summer fun, like ice cream and camping. And we rounded up the best family events at the New York Public Library's upcoming centennial festival—they're all free.
And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
New York City
Since May is Bike Month, our resident cyclist Stephanie shared her favorite family bike routes in Manhattan.
Next time you're in the playground (i.e. later today), skip Mister Softee and head to a nearby ice cream parlor. Many of our favorites are right by popular parks.
The Urban Park Rangers start their free family camp outs in city parks this month. Find out how to register for this unique overnight experience.
Looking to sign up your brood for new classes? We've got the scoop on Mandarin Chinese lessons and sewing, weaving and knitting classes for kids.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, a.k.a. the Manhattan library with the lions out front, marks its 100th birthday this month with the debut of the Celebrating 100 Years exhibit this Saturday, followed by a bash next weekend featuring music, shows, stories and free ice cream.
We really enjoyed Peter and Wendy at the New Vic. In fact, this is one of those shows parents may enjoy even more than their kids.
We shared the moving story of the Bonds, Brooklyn parents who are both battling cancer while raising a toddler. Find out how you can help this couple and other local families touched by the disease.
The best bets for the weekend include midtown's International Food Festival, the Queens County Farm Museum's Farm Fest and the Highland Park Strawberry Festival.
New Jersey
Speaking of strawberries, the NJ site highlighted farms where you and your family can pick your own strawberries.
If your brood's looking to burn off energy, there are a ton of kids' races this weekend.
Other weekend highlights include the Fishing Derby at Branch Brook Park in Newark, and the Downtown Toms River Arts & Music Festival.
Long Island
Long Island followed Jersey's lead and also rounded up strawberry picking farms.
Weekend events include the grand opening of the Maritime Explorium in Port Jefferson and World Day at the Progressive School of Long Island in Merrick.
Connecticut
CT also gets in on the berry action with a list of pick-your-own berry farms. Why limit yourself to strawberries? You can also pluck rhubarb, raspberries and blackberries.
Cool Deals and Giveaways
We've got two great Poppins Perks going right now. Remember, every deal helps fund a project at a local public school.
Didn't get pampered the way you wanted on Mother's Day? You can still indulge at SoHo Sanctuary: $80 for a deluxe mask and massage manicure and pedicure.
And here's one you can't pass up: The Story Pirates, who run arts and creative writing programs for kids in addition to starring in their own awesome live shows, are hosting a fundraiser, starring friend (and fan) Jon Stewart. Snag $63 tickets to the show, which also boasts appearances by
Lou Reed, John Oliver and Kristen Schaal.
We're also giving away a one-year subscription to the Tree Factor, an online tool to help parents supplement their children's elementary school math education.
