This week's picks include some of the last activities to close out summer vacation, including a final outdoor movie and concert. It's also time to sign up for fall classes, so if your kids love art as much as mine, be sure to check out the open house events going on all week at the Kidcasso art studio (pictured). As always, there are plenty more fun happenings this week listed on our Event Calendar!

Returning to the back-to-school routine is challenging enough for most NYC families, but add in finding enriching after-school care to the mix and suddenly we're feeling totally overwhelmed.

Luckily, Mommy Poppins is here to help you sort this all out. Recently we told you about the city's FREE after-school care program that runs 3 to 6pm every school day at recreation centers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Now we're rounding up the best NEW after-school class options for NYC kids so you can wish those summer days good-bye a little easier and possibly–maybe?–turn that "school's starting" frown upside down.

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

Well, this is it: this week the last few holdout school districts (including mine) head back to school, but there's still fun to be had for the preschoolers whose programs may not have begun yet, and, of course, for everyone in the afternoons and evenings. We've collected some of our favorite activities for the week from across the state, including the last performance in a fun, free outdoor concert series, a super fun and convenient parents' morning out session, and a fabulous, family friendly agricultural fair. Whatever you decide to do this week, don't forget to check the full Event Calendar for even more ideas!

No question, art or music enrichment classes are worth the money spent, whether you're looking at the short or long-term benefits.  But, what about giving your little girl or guy an edge -- or, as it may turn out -- the minimum, with some computer programming classes?

Schools certainly try to keep up, but they can't track with tiny businesses in Fairfield County eyeing the market trends, and vying for the chance to teach your kids the latest in coding and robotics.  With any luck, your child will come out inspired, inventive and maybe even BFFs with math. Check out our After School Enrichment Classes Guide for more options and ideas.

Although only five miles from the New Haven Green at the lighthouse, Lighthouse Point Park feels much farther removed from the noise and bustle of the city. This 82-acre park on Long Island Sound, with it’s historic lighthouse, antique carousel, and stretch of coastline is a beautiful summer sanctuary. In addition, it has a splash pad water play area, playground, and swings right on the beach, making it a great destination for young kids in the New Haven area, and a perfect day trip destination.

A new kids' athletics program opening in Queens this September is betting that the girls of Forest Hills might appreciate a little "gals-only" gym time.  

GAALS (Girls Athletic and Life Skills) combines sports with life-skill lessons and promotes its classes as a way for girls from kindergarten to sixth grade to gain physical and mental confidence—"to feel comfortable participating, instead of standing on the sidelines." Each class includes time spent on a physical task like playing catch and then a less tangible skill, such as teamwork. Volleyball and leadership is another example.

Although my daughter isn't yet old enough to participate, in the Lean In era, I was eager to check out any NYC class where girl empowerment was a theme. Read on for Mommy Poppins' scoop on this new NYC class offering, what to expect and how it got started.

School has only been in session a week, and already I am learning so much. I am learning about the many ways to see aquatic life in Southern California. I am learning about the many ways to experience Little Tokyo. I am learning what it's like to drink a cup of coffee uninterrupted.

Not one to hog all the learning, I plan to offer some educational opportunities to my daughter as well. This weekend, for example, she can learn about the 1950s, Iberoamerican folk art, and the music of Veracruz.  She can learn to write a travel journal, make a Chinese lantern, dance Flamenco, and play the ukulele. And because Momma gets hungry, she can learn how to make pizza (both foccaccia and classic style).

And after all that learning, I think we'll both have earned a little treat.  Perhaps some vegan soft serve (free).  Perhaps a concert (free). Perhaps a movie (free.  Or maybe free). Because if I've learned anything in my week of school, it's that nothing beats free.

Feel free to keep reading to learn our favorite picks for this weekend....

It's officially the last weekend before my kids head back to school, and I can't believe we still haven't made it to any of the outdoor flicks that have been going on all summer! At least there's one last chance to remedy that on Saturday by catching either Maleficent or Despicable Me. After this weekend, events start heading indoors. (I know! It's so hard to believe fall is around the corner.) Other opportunities for last-minute fun before homework sets in include something new at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston and something old in the streets of the North End.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week: Summer's end isn't all bad. Once school starts, these places give you access to the stars in Boston.  

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!