[UPDATED: September 3, 2012]
 

Located in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City, Queens, this former industrial-hub-turned-picturesque-retreat along the East River is a stunning destination. Gantry Plaza State Park was named for the apparatus used to load and unload ship cargo back in the 1920s. The spot's history is immediately apparent: Two giant gantries remain as the plaza's focal point, and the back of them serve as the frames for the pair of famous red neon Long Island signs. (Queens' other iconic sign, Pepsi Cola, is located next to the park.)

While parents will certainly appreciate the sleek design and tranquil vibe, kids will love all the places to play, and there are a lot of them. Read on for the scoop on Queens' waterfront oasis.

And that's certainly appropriate, since it's about a little girl who becomes the world's first kid astronaut. Unlike Vital Children's Theatre's long-running hits Pinkalicious and Angelina Ballerina, this loopy musical, which is best for kids six-and-under, isn't based on a popular children's book. Scott Elmegreen's script does a great job of conjuring up a realistically kooky kids' world all its own.
 

Some people might not think of Indian food as very kid-friendly since it is famous for its spiciness, but you know, kids in India eat too and there are tons of very child-friendly foods that your kids will love. In fact, Indian food is my kids' favorite food and we eat it almost weekly in one form or another. I even send samosas in their lunch boxes.

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Oh Mark, you were so wise. Spring is trailing your hand along the baby grass, breathing in that intoxicating smell of possibility, of ditching coats for sundresses, leaving slush behind for the kick-up of magnolia blossoms on the walk to school. It's its own thing, spring, and it needs celebrating. Our Garden State has a slew of great activities from cherry blossom madness to a bluebird meet and greet. Dig in, fellow mothers. We've earned it this year.

Purim, St Patty's and more. We hope you're ready to roll, cause here's a lot going on! In addition to the always popular Family (free) Saturdays at the Manhattan JCC, this Sunday they are hosting their annual Purim Carnival. There's a ton of Purim fun going on this and next weekend, from Carnivals to space-themed events, and there are some St.Patrick's Day celebrations as well.

Since we are in mid-March, it is still Maple Sugaring season. If you are up for a day trip away from the city, many places are still tapping their trees this weekend! And if you are looking for a little culture, Gustafer Yellowgold is in town, and the New York Hall of Science has a fabulous new exhibit, 1001 Inventions. Feeling crafty? We've got the info on places for beading fun, and great cooking classes for your teen. And finally, as we strive to bring you the best of the best, Mommy Poppins has expanded and improved, bringing a redesign and cool features.

Read on for our best bets for the weekend and be sure to check out the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar for more great weekend events.  Have a great weekend.

St. Patricks Day is coming, and if you are in the spirit, we've got some fun ways to celebrate. Even if green isn't your favorite color, Saturday has the promise of sun so it might be fun to take in a parade or join a Pot o' Gold scavenger hunt. And if you aren't clamoring to shout Erin Go Braugh we've got some other great stuff for you too. A cool workshop that brings you back to Great Grandma's kitchen in the 1800s, a seal walk, and more are on offer this weekend. Enjoy the sunshine.

This weekend, feast on some pi. And no, I didn't forget the 'e'. Princeton is celebrating Einstein's birthday with a Pi party (and there actually will be 'pie' there) and pi-rates are cavorting on Pirate Adventure Day. And if you can stand any more alliteration, there's also a Proper Pets workshop at Turtle Back, a penguin spa at Jenkinson's Aquarium, and of course, more St. Patrick's fun. There's other good stuff too, but none of it starts with 'p', so you'll have to keep reading. Have fun!

Home economics classes are just about gone from NYC middle and high schools, in fact, Mark Twain in Coney Island is one of the only middle schools in the city to offer cooking - so rare, it was featured on The Rachel Ray show.  These days teens who want to learn to cook are learning at home. Even if you have mad cullinary skills, it's not always easy to find the time to make dinner, much less teach along the way. Teen cooking classes are a fun, cool and social way for your teen to learn the important skill of creating meals, and also (sniff!) gain some of that independence they crave.