New York City has long been home to a dozen carousels, but the brand-new SeaGlass Carousel in downtown Manhattan stands apart. 

More than a decade and $16 million in the making, this custom-designed ride that opens to the public August 20 is part of the Battery's ongoing overhaul (currently it's a bit of a construction zone), and its sea theme is a nod to the site's history as the original location of the New York Aquarium. No horses going round and round here; instead, riders step into 30 tall (some up to 13 feet!), iridescent fish that seem to swim inside a giant nautilus shell thanks to a quartet of rotating turntables. Glowing lights, soothing classical music and aquatic sound effects complete the virtual underwater experience.

While every news outlet has been raving about this just-opened, one-of-a-kind attraction, only Mommy Poppins has the scoop on everything families need to know before planning a trip to the SeaGlass Carousel, including tips on stroller parking and bathrooms, along with video that gives you a sense of just how special it is.

It's sad, so very, very sad: the kids are going back to school. Whatever will we parents do with our own free time that we can do whatever we want with now? Sure, we'll still have the weekends to fill with child-centric merriment.  Like this weekend for instance: there's a LEGO-inspired festival of bricks, a sing-a-long version of Frozen, (don't pretend you don't still know all the lyrics), two chances to learn what happened when The Crayons Came Home, and lots of free movies the kids will love.

Yes, school may have started (depending on your district), but the summer lives on! Which is really good, on the weekends, as long as the kids are in school, Monday to Friday. So go kite flying, watch an air show, look at the stars, do all manner of things that require looking up, but do them on the weekend. Because the weekdays are your time, Momma meant for your child's creative and intellectual development.

Speaking of which, you might want to consider looking into after school classes and programs. For even more Momma-me-time ways to give your kid every opportunity.

Got a few quiet moments to yourself? Why not use them to catch up on the laundry our favorite picks for this weekend....

Event not happening in 2017.

It can be hard to reconcile the adorable, innocent kiddo in the perfect costume, with the freakout factor of Halloween.  Where, exactly, are you going to take your lollipop lovin' cowboy, or scared-of-the-dark Little Red Riding Hood?  In Fairfield County, the answer is Fairfield's Burr Homestead.  For 20 years now, they've put on the Enchanted Castle, a Halloween-time event geared toward children ages 2-10. For even more ideas in your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter.  Check out our Halloween and Fall Fun Guide for lots of other great info!

How could this have happened? How could there only be two (or in some cases one) more weeks of summer left before school begins? Make the most of these remaining summer days by turning to our Event Calendar which offers lots of fun for Philly families.

Meet characters from Star Wars at the Please Touch Museum. Check out New Garden Flying Field's Festival of Flight Air & Car Show. Catch Media Theatre's Aladdin Jr. or Hedgerow Theatre's Beauty and the Beast as they close this weekend. Or, get outside to learn about bugs, butterflies and mushrooms. On the other hand, embrace that school is almost here and get some 'Back to School' deals at an area consignment sale.

Stay up-to-date on the latest fun by following us on Twitter and Pinterest, like us on Facebook and sign up for our free weekly newsletter which is delivered every Thursday. Have fun soaking up the last few weeks of summer fun.

Families can find plenty of outdoor fun in Boston this weekend, including two super-cool festivals: one to celebrate the environment and another to celebrate ways we can reuse junk to create something fantastic. Both of these festivals have similar goals, and they both offer fun for local families.

Besides the festivals, this is a perfect weekend to check out the stars or go play in the park. With only a couple of weeks remaining before school starts up again, I plan on soaking up every possible minute of summer with my kids!

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Summer isn't over yet! If you find yourself with a free day, check out these 15 day trips for Boston families.
• If you really want to experience the outdoors this summer or fall, try one of these campgrounds near Boston.
• There's a new theme park in town! Thomas the Tank Engine has made his home in Carver, and we have the scoop. 

Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar! Note: due to projected bad weather, be sure to check with venues before heading to any outdoor events.

Start packing in the fun as summer winds down to its last few weeks. Go on a scavenger adventure outdoors in Hampton Bays or indoors in Hicksville.

Catch the last run of Mary Poppins at the Long Island Children's Museum or Cinderella's Glass Slipper at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. 

Remember, you can find even more options in our jam-packed Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide. To receive our posts in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletters.

The Battery's aquatic-themed SeaGlass Carousel is about to debut, and we can't wait to experience this virtual ocean ride. Plus, Volkswagen Beetles take over Governors Island, Clifford the Big Red Dog meets his young fans in Bryant Park, Long Island City hosts an art-filled block party and family-friendly shows continue at the Fringe.

Read on for all of our best bets. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

If you’re looking for fun family activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend, you’ve come to the right place! For a FREE performance by a troupe that’s played at Carnegie Hall, catch the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Pixie lovers will delight in a Fairy Walk, while baseball fans can enjoy extra entertainment at Rockland Boulders Beach Day. For midway fun, try the Otisville Country Fair, and the most intriguing nature program on our radar is Sky Hunters in Flight, which introduces visitors to the uncommon sport of falconry.

For more summer fun in and around Westchester, look no further than our Event Calendar, where you'll find many more great ways to enjoy August with your family—many of which are FREE.