That end of summer sigh that usually comes with Labor Day weekend  seems to have eluded us this year with this unrelenting heat wave that, fingers crossed, will leave us so that we can enjoy this coming weekend. It's packed full with all kinds of fun, whether you're interested in maritime history, agriculture, or Caribbean culture. If you're still finding your back to school groove, you won't want to miss the Connecticut Kids Closet Consignment event, which promises deals on everything you need for kids of all ages this fall and winter. 

If you're celebrating Rosh Hashanah on Monday, we here at Mommy Poppins wish you the happiest of New Years, and if you're not celebrating but have the day off of school, we remind you that our event calendar is updated for weekdays as well as weekends. For the latest and best family-friendly events, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Have a great weekend!

Did someone say robots?

One of the greatest joys of parenting is that look of pride our kids get when they make something on their own. I’m always looking for classes that can give my son's creativity free rein, improve fine and gross motor skills—but robots? That moves the cool meter all the way to red.

Our sponsor Brooklyn Robot Foundry is a place that empowers kids through building. The Foundry's after-school and weekend programs for kids in preschool through 6th grade invite young engineers to plan, design and create any type of robot, whether it’s a soccer player or a princess.

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

There's nothing cuter than seeing little kids decked out in cool costumes...except, perhaps, dogs done up in fancy duds. Before I became a mom, I always looked forward to dressing up my pup, Hamlet, during the Halloween season. Now my son and I both enjoy this annual tradition. Over the years, our dog has been a skunk, Dracula and a grape, but frankly, these get-ups are pretty tame compared to some of the wild and creative outfits we've seen at NYC's many Halloween pet parades and costume contests.

Of course, you don't need to have a dog to enjoy these costumed canine extravaganzas, everyone is invited to gawk and "awwww." We found a handful of Halloween happenings for hounds in all five boroughs, so hit these parades to see who's really top dog.

You can find lots more season fun in our jam-packed Halloween Guide.

If the idea of an overnight stay in the woods doesn't sound much like a vacation, then this post is for you! Even if you've never gone camping before, a little planning and a can-do attitude will ensure a great time and lasting memories for the whole family. For starters, you might not realize that tent camping isn't the only option at campgrounds today. Some of the best campgrounds near Boston for families offer yurts or cabins to make a first-time stay more comfortable. 

And don't even worry about the kids. Mine love their favorite computer games and TV programs as much as the next, but once they're outdoors, they're too busy with trees, campfires, and critters around them to miss any of that indoor stuff. Read on to find out how to make the most of an overnight in the woods, and how to instill a love of the great outdoors in your children.

Fall is in the air, and judging by the number of outdoor fairs and festivities this weekend, it’s going to be a busy, fun-filled season. Come hungry to the Atlantic City Seafood Festival and Oasis Farm’s Apple Festival. Have old-fashioned fun at Belvidere Victorian Days and 1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival. Even the family dog gets in on the action at the Fifth Annual Bark-a-Que. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar .

It seems like it's never too early to start thinking about school in NYC, but for parents of toddlers, September means the start of the anxiety-provoking preschool admissions process. To help humanize and demystify the experience, Mommy Poppins is sponsoring two Preschool and Early Education Fairs for NYC families this month.

These FREE events offer one-stop shopping where parents can get the scoop on dozens of preschools, alternative programs and other enrichment options in a casual, stress-free environment. All you need to do is register for the Uptown or Downtown Fair and show up!

It can be difficult to explain the events of September 11, 2001 to our children; they're still hard for us to fully grasp. As we near the 14^th anniversary of the day that changed our country forever, here are some helpful ways to commemorate with your family. Visit a memorial site or exhibit, volunteer together, read a book to younger kids to help them understand or visit the 9/11 Memorial in downtown NYC. There are many ways to mark the day together.

We know, we know (sigh). The arrival of Labor Day means the end of splashing in the Frog Pond Spray Pool and jamming with favorite local bands during free outdoor concerts. But it is not the end of the summer! Technically, we still have almost a month left of summer, and gosh darn it, we're going to soak in every last drop. Although we must wait until next year to enjoy many of summer's pleasures, there are plenty of ways to stretch summertime bliss into autumn: