Education has been dominating the headlines for several years now. While many are trying to figure out a better way to teach our children how to be the global citizens that their world will require of them, Ross School has been doing it for over 23 years. Our sponsor, Ross School, on Eastern Long Island, offers hands-on learning for children from pre-nursery through grade 12. Mommy Poppins readers can check out Ross School for themselves at two Open Houses on Saturday, November 15, 2014.

Even though Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, many popular annual holiday attractions open for the season this weekend, including the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, the New York Hall of Science's GingerBread Lane and the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre's The Three Bears Holiday Bash.

Family not yet in the seasonal spirit? There's plenty of non-holiday fun, too, like Fort Tryon Park's commemoration of the Battle of Fort Washington, a Justin Roberts concert at Symphony Space, a new NYC Children's Theater musical with songs by Laurie Berkner and the New Victory Theater's athletic spectacle 360 Allstars. We're particularly excited about that last one since we're hosting a special Mommy Poppins performance next Saturday, November 22 when you can save 20% on tickets and enjoy post-show activities.

These are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar.

Everybody’s working for the weekend--especially Jersey kids who are trying to make it through a full week of school. Look no further than Mommy Poppins NJ for an abundance of well-earned weekend fun. Witness gravity-defying acrobatics at Cirque Peking. Experience old-fashioned holiday traditions at Mrs. Gould’s Annual Holiday Social or Thanksgiving Harvest Home & Armistice Observance Day. Check in with everyone’s favorite ice queen at Meet and Greet Frozen’s Elsa, or join comic book fans for all kinds of activities at the Jersey Shore Comic Book Show. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

As a diehard history nerd, I've taken my nine-year-old son to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia (twice!), and we've visited Philadelphia and Boston, both cities with major Colonial cred, numerous times. But some of the most important Revolutionary War battles and key events took place right here in NYC, so, really, you can bring the birth of our nation to life in a way no textbook can just by using your MetroCard. 

See where George Washington slept during the war and the Bible he used for his inauguration; check out where the battles of Fort Washington, Harlem Heights and Brooklyn were waged; and tour Founding Father Alexander Hamilton's home all without leaving the boroughs. Plus, many of these sites host special interactive activities like living historical reenactments, battles and commemorations.

Here are 15 NYC sites where kids (and grown-ups!) can connect with the events and people who helped found our country.

While we have some bummer things to report (a couple of closures, such is the way of NYC), most of our news is great. We've got cool new kids' businesses, two awesome entertainment announcements (hello Toy Story 4!) and culture discounts for families. Plus, the scoop on a plan to transform struggling city public schools by helping the students and their families. Check it all out below!

'Tis the season for many things—including the spread of cold and flu germs. With school back in session and the colder weather upon us, it’s no surprise kids get sick more often. With the holidays coming up, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone's kids stay healthy, but both of my sons have already battled the common cold, as well as a crummy case of the croup. 

And while traveling to the pediatrician’s office is part of being a parent, there are times when I wish there was another option. I not only dread the drive in bad weather, but I also worry about exposing my kids to a waiting room filled with even sicker children. Last year, I took my older son to the pediatrician with a simple cough (with my younger, healthier son in tow), and a week later they both came down with a whole new nasty virus. So when I found out about our sponsor KidsHousecalls, which sends a board certified pediatrician to your home to treat your child, I was all ears.

Birthday party planning is never simple. Throw in the added fun of planning a party during the holidays and busy parents might lose their minds. Unfortunately, it's all too easy for November and December birthdays to get lost among all of the other holiday celebrations. Luckily, New Jersey offers some great ways to make your little one's birthday special no matter when it is. We have some great birthday ideas that will make your kids happy to celebrate their special day during the holiday season. For more great year round birthday party ideas check out our Birthday Party Guide.