After this long, harsh, Connecticut winter, what a relief to glimpse the calendar and see Memorial Day, the unofficial kickoff of summer, finally right around the corner!  While you might feel like it crept up on you, and you're wondering what to do with the kiddos over the three day holiday, never fear!  We here at Mommy Poppins have the state covered and have a round up of all the best parades, events, festivals and family fun for Memorial Day 2014!

First on most to-do lists is taking in a good Memorial Day parade, and there are no shortage over the holiday weekend.  On Sunday, Ledyard, Rowayton, and Monroe, all honor fallen heroes with their parades.  Monday is the big parade day, and you can pick from East Lyme/Niantic,  Darien, and Wilton.  Be sure to check our calendar for the full round up of parades and step off times.

After the parades, or instead of one, there are plenty of other family friendly activities to take in all weekend long:

We may live in a concrete jungle but there are still plenty of great ways to connect with nature in New York City. And with the renewed interest in waterfront access in NYC, it's easier than ever to get out on the water to row, canoe and kayak during the summer months.

As part of our ongoing commitment to highlighting interesting nature outings for families in NYC, Mommy Poppins is proud to launch a series of guest posts by the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Kids Outdoors New York City. Kids Outdoors is a FREE online community for families filled with ideas on outdoor activities in the NYC area and expert advice on how to get started. Our first post is by Cheryl and William de Jong-Lambert, Outdoors with Kids New York City authors and local parents. They took their children, ages 7 and 10, kayaking in NYC for the first time and shared their experience and important tips for families. They've got the scoop on the best places to go kayaking with kids for FREE in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

Local mom and “Outdoors with Kids Boston” guidebook author, Kim Foley MacKinnon, shares her best family outing tips and picks with you as part of our guest blog series with the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Kids Outdoors Boston free online community.

There are plenty of zoos and nature centers in New England where families can get acquainted with a variety of animals, from farm animals to native species, but often there’s a “look, but don’t touch” policy in place (for obvious reasons). Here are four spots we’ve found where that isn't the policy at all. Kids will be delighted with these hands-on experiences. 

Nothing will make your family hungrier than a day of fun in the sun at the beach. Whether you are taking your NJ kids on a day trip or for vacation – the Jersey Shore is a great place to visit for the whole family. Finding a kid-friendly place to dine can sometimes be a challenge, however, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Here are some of my personal favorite Jersey Shore eateries (including ice cream!) that are great for kids of all ages! And for more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

If you live in New Jersey, you know that our state is often referred to as “the diner capital of the world", with more than 600 joints! So, what makes a good diner? This subject is always up for debate, especially at the Jersey Shore. Some think it’s the coffee that says it all. Others feel that home fries should be the crown jewel. Or is it the pancakes? Whatever your preference, here are some of the best diners for NJ families and for even more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

Ocean County, New Jersey, plays host to some of the state's top beaches, including Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island, and Point Pleasant. There are boardwalk amusement park rides, games, and eats aplenty. But there's more than just the shore to Ocean County. In close proximity to NYC, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City, this area has appeal to vacationers and transplants with its laid-back beach communities and great restaurants, but also arts and culture.

We're rounding up our favorite places in the county to visit with the kids, including Strand Theater, a maritime village, several play and nature spots in Toms River, and yes, those gorgeous seaside towns. Take a look at this list of our top picks for NJ kids and families in Ocean County as you plan your family getaway or day trip. And for more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

What comes to mind when you think of the Jersey Shore? Beaches, boardwalks, ice cream, maybe a certain MTV show? How about children's theater? That's right, there’s no need to head to NYC when there are so many wonderful options close to home. From plays to musicals to puppet shows, there is something to entertain kids of all ages at the Shore. And for more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.