Before summer winds down, I'm making a point to fill my family's calendar with our favorite activities, like spending a day at the beach, having an ice cream, and going camping. My kids love to camp, but if yours have never been, don't let the great outdoors scare you (or them). The Ipswich Wildlife Sanctuary up in Topsfield offers fun family overnights, and this weekend's owl prowl includes just the right amount of nature for both old pros or first-timers. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxing, plenty of concerts and puppet shows might be just right instead.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• With fall creeping up on us, it's a good time to think over your family's end-of-summer bucket list.
• Overwhelmed by all the whale watch options near Boston? Check out Tara's overview of local whale watching cruises.

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

Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day with the gang watching a live performance of Mary Poppins at the Long Island Children's Museum. Or take your little conductor to ride the (mini) rails at Long Island Steamers in Brookhaven.

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.

Get ready to make some tough choices! Four of our top event picks of the month take place this weekend: the 25th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Historic Richmond Town's All American Drive-In on Staten Island, Manhattan's penultimate Summer Streets and the final SummerStage Family Day of the season. Plus there are lots of other FREE activities like cool kids' concerts and a chance to watch a meteor shower!

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

Here’s hoping you’re staying in town this weekend, ’cause there’s plenty for families to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

For one, it’s a great time to visit the New York Renaissance Faire, as there are perks for kids--including free admission! For an excellent excuse to get messy (think mud pit and pie tosses!), support a good cause at Muddy Puddles Mess Fest. More fun can be had at the South Salem Fire Department's Carnival, and evening entertainment includes an instrument petting zoo at the Kid's Night concert.

Read on for more details on our top weekend picks--many of which are FREE. Planning the rest of the summer? Check out our August GoList for our top picks for the month. And remember to check out the myriad of weekday and weekend events we've captured in our Event Calendar!

No sitter? No problem! Grab the kids and head over to one of the various places on Long Island that host family-friendly happy hours. Mom and dad can enjoy an early dinner, drink specials and fewer crowds before the dinner rush.

While you're at it, check out our roundup of restaurants where kids eat free. And for more seasonal activities, visit our Summer Fun Guide.

As mid-August approaches (already!), wet your appetite for summer fun at tasty outdoor weekend festivals, including Jersey Fresh Festival, Peach, Princess & Pirate Celebration and the sweet S’mores Galore. Enjoy creative and performing arts this weekend at Hub City Sounds and New Jersey Botanical Gardens’ Summer Craft Fair. 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 and our Summer Fun Guide.

We have been telling you about lots of fun farm trips to take this harvest season, most in the tri-state area that are a short drive, train trip or subway ride away. We recently visited Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, which could be considered the pinnacle of family-friendly farms. Located in the heart of Amish Country, it's just a little too far away for a day trip, but a perfect destination for some family farm fun on Columbus Day weekend (or any other weekend, for that matter.) Read on for our highlights of the farm and find out what else to do in the area.

While August has arrived, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found before the kids return to school next month. And no amount of hot and humid weather will undermine the final month of summer vacation.

This weekend, there’s art and culture on the North Fork, and science and discovery on the South. Mix in a fair amount of carnival activity and you have the makings of a spirited weekend no matter what the temperature might read. And remember to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in the East End entertainment.