James Smith

Latest posts by James

Things to Do in Washington, DC This Weekend With Kids: Nationals Winterfest, Nature, Theater

Submitted by James Smith on Thu, 01/09/2020 - 11:05am

Enjoy a day with the World Series champion Nationals at their Winterfest. Photo courtesy of the Washington Nationals

The holiday season has come to a close in Washington, DC. But that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.

The city is brimming with activity on the first weekend back from holiday break. Enjoy a winter celebration in Nationals Park, performing arts in Arlington, and nature discovery at the National Museum of Natural History.

DC's NBA franchise, the Washington Wizards, hosts its annual kids day this weekend and wannabe chefs can learn a thing or two about making pizza in Sterling, Va.

Yes, there's plenty to do this weekend. Whatever you choose, know your friends at Mommy Poppins DC will be with you all through 2020.

Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids: Toy and Comic Con, Fringe Fest

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 01/08/2020 - 11:55am

Learn history, grammar, science, math, and more at a live production of Schoolhouse Rock. Photo courtesy of the production

The holiday season has come to a close in Orlando. But that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.

The Orlando area is brimming with activity on the first weekend back from holiday break. Enjoy storytelling and performing arts in Orlando and library discoveries in Orlando and Winter Garden. How about a toy and comics fest or perhaps a stage presentation of Schoolhouse Rock, both in the city? (Who could ever forget "Conjunction Junction"?)

A few holiday events remain if you just can't let go of the season, including a not-to-be-missed light show in Sanford. If your wallet is feeling pinched after the holidays, there are a number of FREE activities for families in the area this weekend, including a princess photo-op in Maitland, a fishing tournament in Sanford, and movie night in Kissimmee. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins Orlando will be with you all through 2020.

Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend With Kids: Snow Fun, Science, Schoolhouse Rock

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 01/08/2020 - 11:30am

Thrill to fun in the snow at Snow Island in Roswell. Photo courtesy of Lanier Islands

The holiday season has come to a close in Atlanta. But that doesn't mean the fun has to stop.

The city is brimming with activity on the first weekend back from holiday break. Enjoy snow tubing and more in Roswell, a museum afternoon in Atlanta, or perhaps a fun, family portrait session right in the downtown.

Back in Roswell, kids can enjoy a nature walk or perhaps a stage presentation of Schoolhouse Rock. (Who could ever forget "Conjunction Junction"?) A few holiday events remain if you just can't let go of the season, including train rides and light shows.

Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins Atlanta will be with you all through 2020.

Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend: Science, Space, Holiday Events

Submitted by James Smith on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 10:33am

Enjoy an out-of-this-world play experience at Toys R' Us Adventure. Photo courtesy of Toys R' Us

Happy New Year, Atlanta. You've survived the gift-giving rush, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and now can focus ahead to a bright 2020.

This weekend you can usher in the new year with a space adventure at the Fernbank Science Center, a nature hike in Roswell, even a toy adventure in Atlanta And that's just the beginning: Enjoy a makers club meeting just for girls, skating at a number of local rinks, and more.

Why not check out some final holiday happenings at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Centennial Olympic Park, and Stone Mountain before those events end their seasonal runs. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins Atlanta will be with you all through 2020.

Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend: State Parks, Nature Hikes, Holiday Happenings

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 01/01/2020 - 1:45pm

Thrill to the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Happy New Year, Orlando. You've survived the gift-giving rush, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and now can focus ahead to a bright 2020.

This weekend you can usher in the new year with a state park celebration, a nature hike, musical storytime, even a toy show. And that's just the beginning: Enjoy family movie night in Kissimmee, big air without the sensory chaos in Sanford, and drop-in gymnastics in Winter Garden.

Why not check out some final holiday happenings at the University of Central Florida, Waterford Lakes Town Center, and Lake Nona before those events end their seasonal runs. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins Orlando will be with you all through 2020.

Things to Do in DC This Weekend: Science, Dinosaurs, Children's Theater

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 01/01/2020 - 1:32pm

Treat your toddler to a morning of learning. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Happy New Year, DC. You've survived the gift-giving rush, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and now can focus ahead to a bright 2020.

This weekend you can usher in the new year with science adventures in Washington, DC and Baltimore, dinosaur discovery in Laurel, even some toddler time at the Smithsonian Early Education Center. And that's just the beginning: Enjoy children's theater in DC, ice skating at a local rink, and more.

Why not check out some final holiday happenings at the Botanic Garden Conservatory before the seasonal run ends. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins DC will be with you all through 2020.

January GoList: The Best Things To Do With Long Island Kids

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 12/27/2019 - 8:00am

Meteorologists tell us January is the coldest month on Long Island. It’s also one of the longest.

As we endure a seemingly endless run of Arctic days and nights, it might be natural to fall into a post-holidays depression. After all, once the tree comes down, what do we have to look forward to but three months of head colds and commuting nightmares, right?

Not so fast. While January presents its challenges, parents with a little imagination can find plenty of ways to stave off cabin fever, which is where we come in.

Find a sledding hill and challenge the local powder. Indulge your inner Olympian with a day at a local ice rink. Stimulate young intellects with a trip to a nearby children’s museum. Our guide to indoor play spaces on Long Island can provide even more inspiration.

Our January GoList is laced with events from New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King weekend right through to the end of the month.

Things to Do in Atlanta this Weekend with Kids: Santa Parties, Nutcracker, Cirque du Soleil

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 12/11/2019 - 11:15am

Celebrate the season at the natural wonderland of Stone Mountain. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain

Hard to believe, isn't it? But Santa's arrival in Atlanta is a mere two weeks away. Assuming you have sufficiently completed your shopping and have some free time on your hands this weekend, why not take advantage of all the metro area has to offer this holiday season.

This weekend, families can thrill to the acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, create warm holiday memories at a performance of The Nutcracker, or maybe see a new take on the time-honored classic in the Urban Nutcracker. Kids can enjoy a dance party with Santa, and a pajama party, too. Your little princess will thrill to brunch with the American Girl roster and even your four-legged friend gets to share his or her wish list with Santa.