If you frequent Jamaica Plain, you already know about the many awesome places to make music with your kids. But you might not know that Jamaica Plain is also home to one of the most unique and critically acclaimed up-and-coming chamber music groups in the country, the conductor-less string orchestra, A Far Cry.  This group -- they call themselves Criers -- invites a new generation of young people to embrace classical music by making their concerts participatory, varied, and inexpensive. And they have afternoon recitals, perfect for the younger, post-nap set.

STAY & PLAY IS NO LONGER OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

Imagine a local spot that is chock-a-block full of giant playscapes, ball pits, riding toys, ropes, slides, games, offers nutritious, organic snacks for both kids and adults, serves fair-trade coffee, caters to kids ages birth to 12, AND offers free Wi-Fi.  And, imagine this same facility holds a wide array of classes and space for birthday parties.  Surely, if such a perfect place existed, they'd include special events for our special needs kiddos, too. Consider your wish come true. Here's an indoor play space in Eastern CT that you'll want to check out. Welcome to Stay and Play in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

This weekend, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the East End. Hop aboard a research vessel and go on a bird watching cruise along Shinnecock Bay. Learn about stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Bridgehampton. Be a cowgirl for a day and create a dance theater piece at Guild Hall. Celebrate the anniversary of the Parish Art Museum's new location. Also on tap: Brady Rymer live in concert at Buckley Day Camp, and Celebrate Superman’s 75th Anniversary at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center. As always, check our events calendar every day for fun activities for the family.

Kids everywhere are thrilled about the long weekend ahead. And while its easy for little ones to lose sight of WHY they have Monday off, it’s a great time to help teach our children about freedom and the people responsible for that freedom. So while you’re out and about relaxing and enjoying your family this weekend, remember that we are able to do so because of the sacrifices of our Veterans and their families. 

If your family loves nature, visit the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum on Saturday and Meet a Live Owl or head to Westmoreland Sanctuary where your little ones can build a simple bird feeder. On Sunday join the Greenburgh Nature Center for the Turkey Scavenger Hunt. 

During this month of thankfulness, teach your children about giving to others at Pajama JAM to benefit The Pajama Program at Groove Performing Arts. Also check out craft ideas for creative ways to inspire kids to give thanks. 

Monday is Veteran’s Day so most libraries will be closed, however if your tot just won't do without a storytime, The Voracious Reader in Larchmont, Barnes & Noble in White Plains and the Greenburgh Nature Center will all be hosting their weekly storytimes.

Throughout the weekend stop by the Hudson River Museum where children can design a subway, an airport or a highway. This is also the last weekend to experience The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. 

Read on for top weekend picks. If you see something interesting, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond. Want to stay connected? Sign up for our free newsletter, delivered right to your inbox! 

This post is from 2013. For 2014 activities, check out our Event Calendar. Most NYC kids are looking at a three-day holiday so be sure to get out there and enjoy all the great things going on this Veterans Day weekend. Catch cool new kids' shows like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Ballerina Swan. See FREE family films at MoMA or KidsCinema Fest in Washington Heights. Commune with nature at the New York Botanical Garden's Fall Forest Weekend or the Queens County Farm Museum's Wildlife Weekend. Or celebrate the reopening of the renovated Queens Museum with a hands-on family art party.

Veterans Day Weekend is also a great opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Consider having your kids donate some of their Halloween candy to charities that send care packages to soldiers, or cheer on the marchers at the annual Veterans Day Parade.

Looking ahead to next weekend, have you booked your session for our Mommy Poppins Holiday Photo Event yet? On Saturday, November 16, the talented photographers from Big Apple Portraits will snap playful pics of your kids with (or without) Santa. Plus there will be craft activities, storytime and discounts on holiday cards. Reserve your slot now.

All of our best bets for this weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. And remember, before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.