The New Year brings the same resolution for many of us--to work our more and live a healthier life. Easier said than done, though, when you have little ones at home. Between work and the kids, it can be nearly impossible for parents to find time to work out. But what if the whole family—including the kids—could take classes while you get fit? These five gyms offer something for children, whether it’s swimming lesson, fitness classes, birthday parties and more. It's a great way to get everyone involved in health and fitness, while also giving mom and dad some time to themselves (what an exciting idea!). And for more activities the family can enjoy together, check out our Long Island Events Calendar.

Wherever you sit on the issue of testing, standardized tests and the accompanying pressures are part of the American educational system. Our city kids are faced with high-stakes tests from an early age, from the G&T to the ERB to Regents to the granddaddy of them all, the Scholastic Aptitude Test for college-bound high school students.

In order to improve their score, many teens enroll in SAT prep programs during their junior year. These classes usually meet twice a week for a few months, cutting into after-school activities and precious study time during an already stressful school year. So when it came time for my 11th-grade daughter to face the SAT challenge, we opted for a different solution: a six-day summer intensive course and camp in rural Southern Maine. While SAT prep is the camp's main objective, the kids also have plenty of time for traditional summer camp activities. The serene Maine setting on Panther Pond was just the respite my stressed-out city kid needed.

Spending the summer at sleepaway camp can be an amazing experience for a child, and parents want to make sure they pick a destination and environment that ensures a summer to remember. For those who have been to Maine, you know first-hand what a beautiful place it is to visit. So it’s no surprise that more than 20,000 children from nearly every US state and 30 countries choose a sleepaway camp in the Pine Tree State each year. 

Of course, finding the right camp can be a daunting task. Every child has different needs and interests, and parents have their own checklists of features. The stakes feel higher with sleepaway camp, and Mom and Dad need to know that their kids are at a camp with a safe and nurturing environment. Our sponsor Maine Camp Experience makes the search easier, with a bevy of planning tools and information on 30+ premiere camps dedicated to providing children with the highest quality summer camp experience for generations.

As you can see from the pic of my kid with the Lego Olaf, my daughter is dying to build a snowman. She should get her wish this weekend: Not only are flurries in the forecast but the Parks Department is hosting its annual Winter Jam in Central Park featuring fresh blown snow courtesy of Gore Mountain. Of course, not everyone embraces winter. Personally, I've been dreaming about a warm getaway, like the 25 toasty winter family vacations we rounded up on our Travel site. Our New Jersey site has warmth on the brain, too, with its list of 10 ways to enjoy a virtual summer in winter—many suggestions are just a short drive from NYC. And of course, our Los Angeles peeps are always about sun and fun. Their list of 50 things to do with kids in San Diego, including Legoland, is making me seriously consider it for spring break.

But that's enough vacation fantasizing! Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

So, I'm confused. Have we suddenly shifted climates, in some kind of Bizarro-world counterpoint to global warming? Because sunny SoCal is seeing a heck of a lot of snow this weekend. It's snowing at the zoo, snowing in Lake Forest, even the ice has frozen over because, well, it's over, fini, kaput, so which is it? Dead of winter or the coming of spring? Strange magic is afoot...

As in Strange Magic, the new movie at the El Capitan (it's from Lucasfilm! Based on Shakespeare!). You like magic? How about all seven Harry Potter books condensed into one itty-bitty show? How about a magician's own magical journey to overcome his fears (spoiler alert: it's all Smoke and Mirrors).

And then there is that most powerful of magicks, the kind that holds both parent and child alike in its thrall. I speak of course of the ancient mystical power of The Cookie. Expect many full tummies (and spoiled dinners) round Pasadena way as devotees pay homage to the rounded dessert morsels.

Keep reading for some of our most frosty - and frosted - picks for this weekend...

January is often considered a grey month: dull and boring. Not so! This January weekend offers a host of activities to keep even the toughest crowd happy and Mommy Poppins' event calendar has it all at your fingertips.

Many performances are on stage this weekend: Peter Pan at the Hedgerow Theatre for Kids, Snow White at the Media Theatre, Cat's Pajamas at Philadelphia's Central Library and Recess Monkey at World Cafe Live just to name a few.

Those ready to experiment with science can participate in The Science of Nylon at The Hagley Museum or learn about fish during Science Saturdays at the Fairmount Water Works. Or embrace nature and the outdoors by taking a hike in Ambler or watching the birds in Pottstown.

Take a look below for more weekend fun. Need additional ideas? Hit our 100 Things to Do in Philly with Kids list.

Don't see your event listed on our calendar? We welcome you to submit it here!

Now that Boston is deep in winter's clutches, you might need to bundle up a little more before heading out for activities with the family, but don't let a little cold air stop you. Some of the best activities this weekend are designed to get you outdoors in January. The Winter Work & Play event in Sturbridge transports families to a nineteenth century winter wonderland. Families are also welcome to join in on the Annual Charles River Duck Walk in Waltham or the Ward Reservation Winter Fun Day in Andover.

For indoor fun, check out the Winter Open House at the Yamaha Music School in Lexington or Exploring Science Together: Dinosaurs at the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge. Performances this weekend include Shen Yun's classical Chinese dance and music, and KerPlop! The Tale of the Frog Prince, both of which are sure to delight parents as much as kids.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• South Shore families looking for something to do with energetic toddlers indoors can check out these 5 Indoor Play Spaces South of Boston.
• The Superbowl is coming up, but families might want to plan for a Puppy Bowl Party instead.
• Keep the little ones busy and active indoors with a game of Indoor Balloon Tennis.
• Need to escape the polar vortex? Check out our list of 25 warm family vacation spots.
• Little ones can make marshmallow snowman treats even when there's no snow on the ground. 

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full events calendar!