This month we've lost a number of venues we've recently written about, like Park Slope's PSbkln and Perch Cafe, and Times Square's Mars 2112. Now we hear Moomah, which we just featured in our roundup of restaurants where kids can play, is also shutting its doors, as is Park Slope's Southpaw. All these closures are bringing up our abandonment issues.

Not all the news this week is bad. We also have info on a free elementary school admissions seminar, a new charter school in the Bronx and a change that will result in a lot less MetroCard waste.

Starting to look at summer camps for your children? We'd like to thank Samantha Razook Murphy, mom of two girls, and founder of Curious Jane, coming to the Winsor School in Brookline this summer, for these tips to keep in mind as you assess the different options for your daughters (and sons!).

Read on for her tips, and read more about her Curious Jane and other camps in our Camps for Girls post.

In summer, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are super-popular destinations, with glorious flora and fauna, and lots of free or inexpensive programming for families. But they don't go into hibernation during the winter.

The cool months are actually a great time to visit: You'll find fewer crowds, lower fees (the Garden offers free admission on weekdays through March 11) and plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions, many of which are inside where it's warm. From indoor exhibits at the Garden and the Park's Audubon Center to outdoor nature walks, here's why you should bundle up the family and hit these green spots in winter.

There are many reasons for taking your children to an artsy-craftsy place: Bringing out their inner artist, encouraging creativity and self-expression, doing something fun together, having access to teachers, equipment and materials… I could go on and on.

While all those things are important, this is the number-one reason for visiting the fabulous places I have selected: The mess isn’t in your house! So take the kids out, unleash the creative spirits within, have a great time.

One of LA's hidden gems for little ones is an outdoor show known as A Faery Hunt, a gnomadic experience which is part hike, part play and all fun, taking place at several parks around town. Recently, the sprightly crew added an indoor show to the repertoire, Auntie Angelica Root's Fairy Garden, and it's a real crowd-pleaser among the under-eight set. Performances currently take place at Sherman Oaks' Whitefire Theater.

[UPDATED: December 1, 2012]

Next week, our month-long spotlight on Park Slope will come to an end. We've already shared our favorite places to play, eat, learn and shop, but we couldn't wrap up our coverage without telling you about one of the coolest, most offbeat and unique destinations in the neighborhood: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co, a little shop with an amazing alter ego.

While Park Slope families may be well aware of this spot's double identity, we're guessing lots of readers have never even heard of this shop, let alone know its big secret. Find out what's going on behind a hidden door at this store for aspiring Spider-men and Wonder Women.

I am so excited to offer this giveaway to our weekly newsletter subscribers. What a treat to experience the visual eye candy that the Wizard of Oz is famous for on a super duper big IMAX screen! This show will sell out and The Maritime Aquarium has reserved 4 tickets to a lucky Mommy Poppins CT subscriber. Due to high demand, please don't enter if you won't be able to attend the show. They want to share this experience with every possible human who can fit into the theater. Showtime is March 4th at 2pm.