It’s party time in LA this weekend. The Oscars only come once a year, and in this company town, we’re all celebrating! Folks are dressing in elaborate costumes, going on wild and wacky rides and indulging in a total carnival atmosphere. On the other hand, it’s Purim. So folks are dressing in elaborate costumes, going on wild and wacky rides and indulging in a total carnival atmosphere. (Paparazzi optional.)

You know what they say: it’s raining, it’s Purim. If this Purim (or any other day) is finds you seeking shelter from inclement elements, Mommy Poppins has you covered. Check out our roundup of free indoor rainy day activities, for hotspots sure to keep your kiddies entertained and raindrop-free.

Read on for our favorite picks for this weekend …

This weekend, catch the opening of Marionetas de la Esquina Family Puppet Theater's Sleeping Beauty Dreams, a humorous, modern take on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale at the Long Island Children's Museum. Make a day out of it by exploring all the museum has to offer before or after the show. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is hosting its Camellia House Weekend with plenty of activities for the entire family. Enjoy live music by the Chamber Players International Saxophone Duo, ukulele music with Josh Kekoa Cho, and a screening of The Great Gatsby. For the kids, there will be crafts, Mad Hatter storytelling, and bingo. Purim is this weekend, and there are opportunities to celebrate this fun and festive holiday right here on Long Island. The Sid Jacobson JCC is hosting a Purim Character Breakfast where you can join Queen Esther, King Achashverosh, and the cast of the Megillah for bagels and more.  You'll also get to make masks and bake hamentaschen. The Chabad of Mid Suffolk is hosting a Purim Family Party complete with masquerade festivities, a Megillah reading, snacks, and a clown. Also on tap: a Maple Sugaring Demonstration at Benner's Farm in Setauket, along with Tea Time with Dolly and Me at the Conklin Barn in Huntington.  As always, please check out our events calendar every day for fun activities for the family!

Although this weekend is just a regular two-day affair, there are still lots of fun things for families to do, and many of our picks are FREE. Rock out to the Grammy nominated Pop Ups at the New York Public Library, catch a stage adaptation of kid-lit classic Charlotte's Web at the Brooklyn Public Library, celebrate George Washington's birthday at Harlem's Morris-Jumel Mansion and see a Purim puppet show at the JCC in Manhattan, all at no cost.

Of course there are plenty of events worth paying for too, including a slew of Purim parties and carnivals, and the American Museum of Natural History's annual Black History Month celebration. And if you're looking for a sweet day trip, maple sugaring season officially kicks off this weekend.

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 and our Winter Fun Guide.

I have a son who associates all of his childhood memories with food. If I bring up something that happened in the past, he tells me exactly what he ate that day. About six months before his birthday each year, he starts planning his big day, one meal at a time. The theme, the guests, the decorations, and the activities – they are all subordinate to the most important aspect of his celebration, the food.

Maybe your kid’s life revolves around food like my kid’s does, or maybe you have a child who just loves cupcakes. Or ice cream. Or pizza. Either way, there are some pretty great birthday party options for kids who like to tickle their taste buds, whether you want to have the party at home or skip the cleaning and go out somewhere. Read on for five fun and deliciously food-focused birthday parties. And if your kids like to cook as much as they like to eat, check out these birthday parties for kids who love to cook. 

Two weeks ago, I went to sign my son up for the same summer camp he did last year, but was shocked to find out it was already full. I am usually a good planner, but some of the most popular and inexpensive camps are in such high demand. Don't let my mistake happen to you! Check out our comprehensive CT Summer Camp Guide and start scheduling your summer. 

As we crawl on our hands and knees towards Spring (or maybe that's just me), we need some seriously fun stuff to distract us from the cold and wet, and there's a bunch of events in NJ that fit the bill. A Kids' Film Festival in honor of the Oscars, perhaps, or a favorite MP NJ activity, Maple Sugaring, or the exciting new exhibits at our beloved Liberty Science Center--all seriously fun. Read on for our top picks and find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

We continue our month-long focus on adjoining Brooklyn neighborhoods Fort Greene and Clinton Hill with a look at our top spots for kids' classes and indoor play. One of the busiest and biggest romping spots in the area is the beautiful Ft Greene Park, which offers playgrounds, ball courts, and lots of open lawns, hills and a huge set of stairs to explore. But there are plenty of places for kids to play and get creative indoors, too.

True to the artistic spirit of the neighborhood, many programs are focused on movement, music and art, while the drop-in tot spots are great places for the younger set to work on their budding social and motor skills. There are also spots that accommodate the whole family with Mommy & Me sessions, play groups and all-ages swim times.