The beginning of May seems to mark the beginning of festival season as the weather turns warm and (hopefully) stays that way. The Wake Up the Earth Festival in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain celebrates spring and community activism this weekend, while up in Cambridge the Harvard Arts First Festival provides mostly free concerts, performances, and other celebrations of the arts. Some of kids' favorite characters come to life in Boston this weekend, with Disney Jr.'s Pirate and Princess Adventure at the Agganis Arena and Sid the Science Kid at the Wilbur Theater (pictured).  And Star Wars fans can meet costumed characters (and show off their own Jedi gear) at the Franklin Park Zoo's May the Fourth Be With You event. As always, see our full events calendar for more great ideas of where to go with your kids this weekend.

We've been highlighting Charlestown this month on Mommy Poppins Boston. Kristin finds 20 Things to do with Kids in Charlestown and shares the skinny on some great Classes for Kids in Charlestown.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Tara highlights summer theater camps for your little thespian.
• We focus on festivals for the May Go List, a monthly roundup of the best Boston has to offer.

And finally, big news: We've just re-launched our Birthday Party Guide with shiny new Party Listings. Whether you're looking for entertainment or planning a cooking party, you'll find some great leads in our searchable party directory. Be sure to take a look around in the guide to see what else is new -- we're always highlighting great party places and party planning ideas. 

Enjoy the festivities this weekend!

If your little matey enjoys pirate hijinks and tall ships, head on over to the Boater's Maritime Festival this weekend in Port Jefferson. In conjunction with this two-day event, The Maritime Explorium is offering children's activities and tours of an 1885 schooner this Friday.

The long, blustery winter yielded a new batch of baby animals this spring at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank. Visit and pet these furry little creatures on Saturday.

As the weather starts to cooperate more and you're planning outdoor birthday parties, peruse our Long Island Party Guide for ideas, themes and locations. And don't forget about Mother's Day next week! We've complied kid-friendly brunch spots on Long Island and a Mother's Day freebie list.

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Is there an anti-rain dance we can try? We'll do whatever it takes to make sure the incessant showers clear up before the weekend since there are so many spring fairs and festivals going on, from annual favorites like the Cherry Blossom Festival on Randall's Island, Hippo Playground's spring fair and Holi, the Festival of Colors to the first-ever Kickstarter Block Party in Williamsburg.

Two of our top family event picks for May take place this weekend: the citywide volunteering initiative It's My Park Day and Asphalt Green's no-cost swim meet The Big Swim. Plus Saturday is Free Comic Book Day so local shops are giving away complimentary issues to kids.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide. And if you're looking to plan out your entire month, check out the new edition of our NYC Go List, which highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout May.

Given its close proximity to downtown and the airport, beautiful new parks, and kid-friendly streets, families are flocking to Charlestown, MA and staying put.  Because of this influx, businesses are stepping up to the plate to meet the demand for enrichment classes in the area. Read on for the details about Charlestown's classes for expectant moms, babies, toddlers -- all the way up to big kids.  

For children with special physical, emotional, learning or medical needs, it can often be difficult to find summer camp programs designed specifically with their challenges in mind. While many traditional summer camps can accommodate a child with some minor needs, those designed to play on the strengths of special needs children while helping them develop in areas of weakness can often offer campers an experience unlike any other. 

We've rounded up ten summer camps in and around Westchester County that cater to children with special needs, providing individual attention with low staff to student ratios coupled with programs designed to let kids have fun, learn and explore while developing social skills and confidence in a nurturing and safe environment. Read on for more details on special needs summer camps in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley area. Looking for more camp options? Check out our ever-growing Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory. 

Why not welcome the beautiful month of May with an outdoor activity this weekend? Take your pick, because Jersey is bursting with family-friendly events! See how high you can fly a kite during Kite Day at Terhune Orchards, get the buzz on bees at Morris Museum’s Bee Box Inspection or gear up for a day of springtime food and fun at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival. And to get a jump start on celebrating mom, check out the Mother’s Day Breakfast and Craft at Imagine That! Children’s Museum, or find a full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar. And whatever you do, don't forget to check out our newly retooled and updated NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide, with new information, tips and listings!