I spend the spring months eagerly awaiting opening day, not at Fenway, but at Adams Park, where on the first Saturday in June, the Roslindale Farmer’s Market begins its summer run. Our farmer’s market outings aren’t just for picking up extra groceries. They are the first sure sign of summer, long lazy mornings spent on picnic blankets watching our daughter play with her neighborhood friends. If you don’t have a local market or farm stand you call your own, check out Tara's post from a few weeks back, or one of these three urban/suburban oases.

This cruise is sold out. Don't worry: Mommy Poppins will host other exciting events soon! Taking a cruise on New York Harbor is one of our favorite summer activities in NYC. That's why we here at Mommy Poppins are excited to invite you and your kids to a very special event we're planning: Ships, Sails and Tales of the Sea with Bill Gordh & Manhattan by Sail. On Saturday, June 29 join us as we set sail back in time aboard the historic Clipper City Tall Ship on a 90-minute excursion with family activities by master storyteller Bill Gordh, a scavenger hunt by New-York Historical Society's DiMenna Children's History Museum and more.

During this fun outing, families will board Manhattan by Sail's historical Civil War-era cargo schooner Clipper City for an exciting voyage out of South Street Seaport. As we sail through New York Harbor, we'll enjoy amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and other beloved NYC landmarks, plus there will be a stellar lineup of entertainment and enriching activities for children.

Read on to find out how you can snag tickets to Ships, Sails and Tales of the Sea with Bill Gordh & Manhattan by Sail—a day out on the water Mommy Poppins-style that you won't want to miss.

You don't have to be a fan of thoroughbred racing to thoroughly enjoy a day at Belmont Racetrack. The Breakfast at the Belmont program (that we recommended for Father's Day) is a great way to get an intimate look at all aspects of the park, before the gates open to the crowds. Belmont's backyard is equipped with a playground area, a duck pond, a concession area, and the paddock, where you see the horses just before the race. On Family Fun Days On Sundays bouncy houses, games, and activities fill the yard as themes and activities change weekly. 

Somerset County is chock-full of farm-y goodness, and we have some of the loveliest farmers' markets in the state. Some of our towns have small family friendly markets, while others are day trip-worthy, and filled with artisan honey, grass fed meats, and produce. Many accept WIC (Woman Infant Children program) and give vouchers to the elderly making fresh food available to everyone, regardless of income. Peruse and enjoy!

Skateboarding is a really exhilarating sport for kids. There is nothing quite like grinding the pavement and letting the wind blow through your hair (protected by a helmet, of course). But, then you hit a pothole and wonder if there is an easier way to experience urban skateboarding in its truest form. Thankfully, there is!

Summer camp is more than just a fun and enriching experience for young children. It also marks an important step in their development as they get to test out their independence and, in the case of commuter camps, travel outside the city to enjoy outdoor activities in nature.

As exciting as that first-time camp experience is, it can also be scary (perhaps more so for parents than kids) since it's outside everyone's comfort zone. Even if you find a program that offers a safe and stimulating environment for younger kids, parents may worry than their preschoolers aren't yet ready for full days or weeks of camp.

Every summer, readers email us asking if we know about summer programs that offer short days or sessions where tots can try out day camp and see how they like it. We asked our friends at the American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey to recommend some camps that fit the bill. If you need more information, the ACA of NY and NJ also offers free camp consultations with their experts.

You can find out about other awesome summer programs in our Camp Guide.

A few weeks ago I wrote about special needs music classes for kids in the five boroughs. Today I'm spotlighting dance programs for children with special needs in NYC.

Just as organizations like Daniel’s Music Foundation changed my son’s life and allowed him to be able to get up on stage in front of people and sing, there are dance programs that help children with special needs do the same with dance. There are a variety of dance classes and summer camps throughout NYC for children with special needs. Here are some of our favorites: