So we're back in school. We're packing lunches, going to PTA meetings. and overseeing homework. And we're probably starting to wrap our minds around figuring out some enrichment classes to fill in the gaps and/or add some sparkle to the process. Open houses and free trial classes make the hunt for great classes a little more do-able, which is why we offer this list of 10 great places that offer chances to try it out for free, either in the coming weeks or - in many cases - all year long. And for more enrichment options, check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide.

I admit it, I complained a lot about the end of summer; but I'm starting to get onboard with this whole school thing. Think about it: someone else is taking it upon themselves to make your kid smarter. And as if that weren't enough, there are even afterschool programs to make your kids even more accomplished, and many of them are cheap or even free! (Have I mentioned how much I love free?) Why, with your smart and now skillful children, you'll have no choice but to set them free into the world. (Just be sure to pack them a healthy snack).

But that's just Monday to Friday, the 9-to-3 grind. On the weekend they're all yours. Whatever will you do with them? (Are you sensing the ace up my sleeve?) Why yes, we might have a thing or two to amuse them. Like, I don't know, large as life dinosaurs!  Really big ships! Nom nom lobster and fried-anything-you-can-conceivably-fry. Free family fests at the Hammer, the Bowers, and CAAM. Chalk and bugs and howling at the moon....

It's a good thing there's school on Monday, because you're going to need a break after this weekend.

Keep reading to get schooled on our favorite picks for this weekend....

So we're back in school. We're packing lunches, going to PTA meetings. and overseeing homework. And we're probably starting to wrap our minds around figuring out some enrichment classes to fill in the gaps and/or add some sparkle to the process. Your child might attend a school with a great onsite, low-cost after-school program, which takes care of half the question already; on the other hand you might be trying to figure out the shortest distance between your house and a place to constructively use those ballet shoes. Open houses and free trial classes make the hunt for great classes a little more do-able, which is why we offer this list of some great places that offer chances to try it out for free, either in the coming weeks or - in many cases - all year long.

Washington is the top apple-producing state but here in Connecticut there is no shortage of places to find quality apples. It is a rite of fall, and the perfect family activity. We've highlighted some orchards for apple picking in Hartford County. Fair season is hopping, and there is a ton of festivals happening this month. Get your calendar out and consult our September Go List: The Best Things to do in CT This Month so you can plan and explore the state. 

If you are looking for some new ideas on places to play in Fairfield County, check out our post on Great Playgrounds in Stamford . Now with school back in session, you might need some ideas for after-school snacks. Most kids (and adults) love rice crispy treats but not the sugar rush it brings. We offer a recipe for a Healthy, Protein Boosted version so give it a try!

Get social with us by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter for updated information throughout the week. You can also check out our Pinterest boards for autumn ideas.  If you are enjoying Mommy Poppins CT, please tell your friends, neighbors, moms clubs and local businesses about us! Thank you for your continued support.

Here are suggestions for the weekend ahead. Enjoy!

We love that there are so many options for enrichment outside of school for our kids. From music to art to robotics, Boston has it all. What we don’t love is how difficult it can be to choose from all those options. We definitely don’t relish the idea of blindly committing to several weeks of a class when we’re not even sure who the instructor is or what our kids will actually be doing in the class. Really, if you can sample ice cream before deciding on a flavor, shouldn’t you be able to try a class before you register? We think so, and luckily, so do the places on this list.  Some are hosting open houses where you can check out programs and meet the instructors, while others offer a free trial class – try before you buy, so to speak. 

Due to expected heavy rain on Saturday, some outdoor events may be canceled or rescheduled. Before you head out, check the event's official website for updates. Forget school—this weekend is packed with outdoor summer-style fun. Four of our top picks of the month take place this weekend, the FREE West Side County Fair in Riverside Park South, Madison Square Park's FREE old-fashioned bicentennial fair, and a pair of outdoor performances: the campy antics of Circus Amok: At the Crossroads and the Mettawee River Theatre Company's folksy The Dancing Fox.

Other highlights include Arthur Avenue’s treat-filled Ferragosto in the Bronx, a Soap Box Derby in Park Slope and two celebrations marking the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. And if you're up for a day trip, apple picking season has arrived!

These are just a few of the great things to do this weekend. All of our best bets are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar. If you're looking to plan out your entire month, check out our new NYC Go List highlighting the absolute best things to do with kids throughout September.

So we're back in school. We're packing lunches, going to PTA meetings. and overseeing homework. And we're probably starting to wrap our minds around figuring out some enrichment classes to fill in the gaps and/or add some sparkle to the process. Your child might attend a school with a great onsite, low-cost after-school program, which takes care of half the question already; on the other hand you might be trying to figure out the shortest distance between your house and a place to constructively use those ballet shoes. Open houses and free trial classes make the hunt for great classes a little more do-able, which is why we offer this list of 10 great places that offer chances to try it out for free, either in the coming weeks or - in many cases - all year long.

Nominations for the Boston Kids Who Really Rock contest are now closed. We'll announce the winners onstage at the Boston Kids Really Rock music and arts festival at 5:15 on Sunday, October 5th at the Lawn on D. We hope to see you there!

Do you know a kid who is doing great things for the community? A kid who goes way out of his way to make a difference - organizing food drives, raising funds for a local nonprofit, volunteering with a charity organization, dishing it up at a soup kitchen - in short, a kid who really rocks? NOMINATE THAT KID NOW for our Boston Kids Who Really Rock contest!

Mommy Poppins Boston is proud to partner with the Kids Really Rock music and arts festival to sing the praises of some very special Boston kids who are making a difference in their communities through service. We are searching for young Bostonians who exemplify the spirit of kindness, community, and creativity celebrated by the Kids Really Rock festival - a spin-off from last year's remarkable One Family Music Festival. The awesome kids selected by the editors of Mommy Poppins and dubbed “Boston Kids Who Really Rock" will be featured, along with the charities they are passionate about, in a Mommy Poppins Boston article. Five Finalists and one Grand Prize Winner will also be invited to appear on stage at the Boston Kids Really Rock music festival, where we will make a $500 donation to the Grand Prize winner's 501(c) charity of choice and another $500 donation to the festival's not-for-profit partner, Cradles to Crayons. You know Boston kids ROCK; now prove it! Read on for contest rules and regulations and information on how to nominate a rockin' Boston kid.