Weekly Wrap Up: Readers' Summer Outings, NYBG, Jim Henson's Muppets

7/14/11 - By Raven Snook

It's hot in the city, hot in the city tonight! And we're not even talking about the weather. There's a ton of amazing things happening in NYC, and we've been running around like madwomen (more than usual) trying to cover everything.

This week we went to the Bronx to see what was growing on at the New York Botanical Garden, hit Queens for a preview of the Museum of the Moving Image's new exhibit Jim Henson's Fantastic World, caught a performance of the Berenstain Bears musical on the Upper West Side, and even chatted with Grammy winning children's music god Dan Zanes, who's playing a free concert this Saturday in Brooklyn.

Plus, we launched our amazing Hot List deal. For $4.95, you can download our ebook which features more than $1,000 in savings on the best things to do in NYC this summer.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut.

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New York City

We kicked off the week by telling you all about our Hot List book over at Poppins Perks, which offers great deals on family activities. If you're looking for discounts to places like the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, the Art Farm and nearby water parks, this list's for you!

Next, we spent the day in one of our favorite Destination Playgrounds: Upper West Side tot spot Hippo Playground.

Looking for a little activity inspiration? Check out our roundup of 42 fun summer outings in or near NYC, all submitted by our very knowledgeable and creative readers.

If you've been longing to introduce your preschooler to live entertainment, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical is the perfect show for first-time theatergoers.

Speaking of preschoolers, we shared our picks for the best theme parks for young children in or near NYC.

The New York Botanical Garden is blooming with flowers and family fun. We've picked out the best things to do at the Bronx oasis this summer.

Calling Muppet fans of all ages: Jim Henson's Fantastic World opens at the Museum of the Moving Image this weekend. Bonus: You can catch the original Muppet Movie with the price of museum admission.

Also this weekend: Kindie rocker Dan Zanes headlines Celebrate Brooklyn's free Ezra Jack Keats Family Concert. In honor of the show, one of his first fans (who's now 12) interviewed the legendary musician and NYC dad.

Our best bets for the weekend include City of Water Day on Governors Island, concerts by Laurie Berkner and the aforementioned Dan Zanes, and giant animal Lego workshops at the Bronx Zoo.
 

New Jersey

Across the Hudson, we spent an amazing day at The Morris Museum in Morristown, which has an interactive dinosaur section and a cool new exhibit about rock stars from the Garden State.

Things to do this weekend include City of Water Day (it's happening on both sides of the Hudson) in Liberty State Park, the annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival in Toms River and a Bastille Day Fete in (where else?) Frenchtown.




Long Island

Over on the isle, we've got a roundup of free outdoor summer concert series.

Weekend highlights include the Great Bonac Fireworks Show in
East Hampton, the Muttville Canine Comedy Show in Manorville and the Huntington Independence Day celebration.

Connecticut

In CT, we highlight five free indoor spaces where little kids can cool off and play.

Weekend events include the annual Greater Hartford Jazz Festival and free outdoor movie screenings at Jennings Beach and the New Haven Green.

Cool Deals

Yes, we realize we've already mentioned this twice, but we're really proud of our Hot List. The roundup of activities is truly amazing, and the $1,000 in savings will help you make the most of summer in the city. Best of all: 100% of the profits will benefit NYC public schools.