The Circus is in town! This weekend there are three spectacularly different circus shows in New Jersey, including The Greatest Show on Earth, 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes, and the Peking Acrobats. For those who are afraid of clowns and are more excited that Spring is in the air, there is a Maple Sugar Festival and a Bird House Making Bonanza. Finally, Justin Roberts rocks the stage with some funny kiddie tunes. Meltdowns set to music, anyone?

Recently I had the opportunity to check out Queen's hot oasis, Spa Castle. Though this may not be the first thing that you think of when you are searching for places to bring the kids, this is exactly what your family needs on these cold and dreary days. In fact, it is so great, that my introduction was a result of my my friends' decision to gather their friends and family there for their son's first birthday. Read on to find out more about the fabulous, and even kid friendly, Spa Castle.

There once was a man who created a cat.  Atop the cat's head was a red and white hat.  He made up an elephant, and a fox that could rhyme and a grouchy green guy who will live for all time.  That man is no longer.  That man isn’t here.  The Doctor named Seuss would be 107 this year.  Blow out some candles, eat green eggs and ham.  His birthday is Wednesday.  Do you have a plan?

In other words, celebrate the 107th birthday of the incomparable Dr. Seuss with these fun family events going on in NYC:

Say what you will about winter, it’s the ideal time for indoor art projects and encouraging creativity. But many art classes and drop-in studios are directed toward older kids, and may offer projects that are too complicated to hold your little one's interest. Here's a round-up of some of the best options for the under five set. So when your stir-crazy toddler has had it with your nubby crayons and crusty water colors, feel thankful that you live in a city where so many fun places offer outlets for the artsy tot. Here are five great options for those antsy days.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show will be held this year from Sunday, March 6 through Sunday, March 13.  Although you may not immediately think of a flower show as a family activity, this annual event has exhibits that will appeal to all ages. It offers some fine opportunities to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world.  My kids and I have been attending since they were toddlers, and it is a real favorite, even now that they are hard-to-please teenagers.  Plus, after a winter of snow, ice, rain and wind, even the tiniest among us will be ready to smell the roses.

As of January 2012, this restaurant has closed.

As we left PSbklyn my husband turned to me and said, "if I had an 11 and 7 year old I would totally go back to that place so we could enjoy a nice meal, especially if they were getting on my nerves." I glanced back just in time to catch my eleven year old punch my seven year old in the arm as he screamed and punched her back. The brief reprieve we had enjoyed at PSbklyn, a new family friendly restaurant in the heart of Park Slope with a rec room in the basement, was clearly over.

Woohoo! Welcome! New York City's leading resource for things to do with kids has now arrived in the Nutmeg State. Yeay! It's about time!

On our site you'll find an events calendar, camp and class guides, giveaways and oodles of fun ideas about things to do. If you sign up for our free weekly newsletter you won't regret it. You'll get the inside skinny on what's happening around your area and or the region. During our launch, things may get slightly bumpy as we gather steam these next few weeks . Please have patience with us. It will just get better and better.

Like most parents, I like to think that I try to keep family life fun and interesting. Honestly, Mommy Poppins has helped me to do that over the years. Whether you're a full-timer, weekender or just planning to visit, MP promises to be your go-to resource. Go ahead, be the first to sign up for our free weekly newsletter and while you are at it, invite your friends to as well. The more the merrier. Let the adventure begin!

Mary Beth Lawlor
CT@mommypoppins.com

As a family we really like going to The Whitney Museum of American Art.  For a museum packed with world class contemporary art it is totally manageable to visit with a child. Unlike other museums in town, the kids don’t tire out before they ever get to the main exhibit, making for a fun hour or two excursion versus a day long trek.  And being contemporary in nature, the installations are usually a lot more interesting for kids to look at than simply a gallery filled with paintings.  

What I like the most about The Whitney though is the great programming they have for kids and families.  You may recall last year we told you all about seeing the 2010 Biennial by registering for a fantastic Whitney Wees program.  Well, my husband’s favorite artist is Edward Hopper and we all wanted to see the exhibit: Modern Life – Edward Hopper and His Times, so we were due for a trip back to the museum.  My son has since aged out of Whitney Wees so we registered for a Family Fun Art Workshop and it was a great experience!  Not to mention a perfect indoor activity for NYC families for just ten bucks!