This post is being updated for 2015. 

Kids love getting crafty, so what better way to encourage their creativity and emergent sense of style than with a beading birthday party? In store, in home or in a rented space, these beading businesses provide the materials and know-how to help the your budding designer and all of the birthday guests create stunning jewelry with a professional touch. Girls AND boys will love the special necklaces, earrings and bracelets they created themselves and you will love the ease with which the whole party comes together. 

Ok, let’s admit it: Boat parties are awesome. They’re unique, they’re memorable, they’re different. Good to know: Most party boat rentals involve some type of fishing. Not all, but some. And some just tool around the Statue of Liberty, which is cool enough on its own. Note: If your child is interested in a boat party, it’s strongly advised to strap them into a life preserver. Most marinas have life vests for children, but it may be wise to invest in a floatation device for every child. Here are six NJ-based marinas that offer some boat-riding fun for the whole family. And for more party awesomeness, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

New moms should always remember that they are not alone! There's always another mom nearby also looking for a specific parenting course, or just hoping to meet another mom as cool--and perhaps as frazzled!--as they are. New Jersey is home to a wonderful array of really specialized baby classes and meet-ups such as adventures in baby-wearing, stroller fitness and more. Below is a list of some extra-special baby classes that may pique your interest.

The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is nearly here, which means lots of parades and backyard barbecues. But for those looking for something a little different, taking a day trip with the family can be the perfect way to get away while still staying close to home. We've created a list of 8 fun places to spend a day over Memorial Day weekend. And for more kid-friendly activities and events, be sure to check out our Long Island Calendar, as well as our roundup of Memorial Day Events.

Even though Memorial Day weekend is next week, we're gearing up for summer's unofficial kickoff a little early. (After the winter we all endured, we can't help fantasizing about warm weather fun.) Check out our Spring Guide and you'll find posts about seasonal attractions opening on the holiday weekend, like the newly expanded Governors Island and Central Park's beloved tot spot Victorian Gardens amusement park. We also rounded up a bunch of great family getaways in New Jersey for Memorial Day weekend or any summer weekend.

Speaking of getting out of town, our regional sites are full of travel inspiration, whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a bona fide vacation. New Jersey just posted about pick-your-own strawberry farms and you can find even more berry-picking spots in our Farm Guide. Even though we've got mini golf right here in NYC, the ones in Westchester have a lot more bells and whistles (and ponds and windmills). Or commune with nature by visiting NJ's beautiful tree-filled arboretums.

Of course you don't need to skip town to have fun. In fact, this weekend you'll want to stick around since there are so many amazing family activities going on, including a Laurie Berkner concert, the annual Dance Parade New York and Queens' World's Fair Anniversary Festival. Plus you'll find the Mommy Poppins' gang at the New York Baby Show, where we'll be giving away some awesome prizes and showing kids how to make these adorable WeeWork Clothespin Creatures.

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

This weekend is all about art, books and festivals in Westchester. With several of our May Go List picks going on, there's lots of fun in store. Celebrate National Children's Book Week at the 23rd Annual Community Storytelling Festival, attend Children's Book Week Author Readings or meet another well-known children's author at the Candy Fairies Book Event

Feeling artsy? Try your hand at fashion design at Designing Girls: Doll T-Shirt Creative Workshop, participate in one of the many workshops at Family ArtsBash or work with clay at One with the Clay.

Festival, anyone? A highlight for this weekend is Discover Pinkster!  which replicates colonial-era celebrations of African culture with a rich agenda of dancing, drumming, cuisine and more. Also this weekend--the Second Annual Kite Day and Lightscapes, the beautiful light-nature art installation, continues this weekend.

Read on for our top weekend picks--many of which are FREE. As always, if something piques your interest, be sure to click through to the event listing for full details. And don't forget to check out our Events Calendar for more events this weekend and beyond!