Once the warm weather arrives, many families want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Camping happens to be a wonderful way to enjoy nature, along with some bonding time with the kids. From fishing and swimming, to making s'mores and sleeping under the stars, camping can create memories you'll treasure for years to come (or, at the very least, give you some good stories to tell).

Long Island is home to quite a few prime camping sites, so you don't need to go far to take a family vacation this summer. We've covered many beloved campgrounds in the past (see our roundups of 5 great campgrounds on Long Island and 5 more great campgrounds). But, believe it or not, we've found six more worthy of checking out. Enjoy!

If you are planning a birthday or fun outing for a young artist, the newest trend in creative parties may be for you. Paint-your-own canvas parties are popping up all over the Delaware Valley, in stand-alone studios and as add-ons in pottery workshops, and a few even come to you. In addition to kids' parties and art classes, many studios also host Girls' Night Out events where moms can bring their own wine and snacks, and channel their inner artist.

We've rounded up a list of paint-your-own studios that offer children's birthday parties and, in many cases, camps, classes and drop-in sessions, too. Party hosts are usually allowed to bring their own food, the studio does all the cleanup and guests leave with their own masterpieces!

When you walk into Shady Glen, you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the 1950s. Waitresses wear old-fashioned green dress uniforms with white aprons, and cooks sport pointy paper hats. Kids can slide into booths or spin on the counter stools arranged around a bustling kitchen and soda fountain. This classic burger joint and ice cream shop has been featured on the Travel Channel for its unique cheeseburgers, although it began as a dairy store and scoops are still its main draw. The grub is not fancy, but it is good solid comfort food served in a fun atmosphere. Top it all off with homemade ice cream and this Hartford area classic is a sweet outing to try with kids!

There's been lots of fun to be had this week, as NYC public schools are on spring break through Sunday, April 12. From new museum exhibits to a contemporary circus spectacular, even this rainy weather couldn't keep us down.

The good news: we should finally get some sun this weekend, which is perfect for a day trip (maybe two!) to Essex County's Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, where families can enjoy live performances and other kid-friendly activities, or a Family Senses Night Hike in nearby Long Island that will give new meaning to the term "night owl." Kids can also enjoy a day of farming and hanging with the chickens, goats and pigs at Common Ground in Connecticut. Also on tap: Nyack's SpringFest, complete with carnival rides, games and over 300 vendors.

If you're starting to think about summer vacation plans, our Travel site has all the details for planning a great family trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Our house is a twin summer birthday house.  Everything, times two! Guest list, goodie bags, cakes...everything requires double everything, including planning time.  It may be 6 months out, but we're already on the case to find a fabulous birthday party destination near our friends and family in Litchfield County.  Here are ten of awesome spots we've found so far. And don't forget to check out our CT Party Guide which also offers some great ideas and options.

You know we can't fit all the events going on this weekend in one post, right? I mean, we could, but it would just be too long, and you'd have to keep scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. It would be like reading through my kid's birthday list (seriously, how much can one kid want?), and by the time you got to the end, the weekend would be over.

So instead, we choose highlights—not hard to find on a weekend like this. Hello, Marina del Rey turning 50 (prime of your life, MdR, you never looked better); butterflies are in season at the Natural History Museum (shout out to my pupae); and the biggest thing to happen in the YA world since that whole Jacob/ Edward thing. Obviously, all of those need a mention.

There's also a major Powwow, a puppet festival you have to see to believe, art on the streets of Burbank... but not every activity is larger than life. You can fly a kite, learn about siblings, hear some really great music (in some really cool places), and moms, don't forget to look after yourselves.

But that's just the beginning. There are awesome art projects, a family 5k, a complimentary car seat checkup, and a by-teens-for-teens night out. Not all of it can make it into our highlights post. It just can't. But don't worry, that's what our Event Calendar is for.

Keep reading for way too many things to do this weekend..