We're staying local this weekend but have planned a full roster of activities. We're doing the "urban tourist" thing but for fear of falling into the same old same old (park, diner, bike ride), I've mapped out a schedule of events.

On Saturday, we're off to the Gazillion Bubble Show. Fan Yang is the Guinness Book of World Record Holder for the biggest bubble ever blown...and he's fashioned his talent into an 85-minute show. Hard to imagine, but it's supposed to be a blast. Our seats are in Row 5. Just hoping we don't need raincoats. Bubbles make everyone hungry and since it's illegal to grill on our balcony, I've invited some friends over for dinner and we'll be enjoying the Big Taste of Kansas City from Jack Stack BBQ, delivered to our door from the famous restaurant. It's only 9 a.m. but I am already preparing for the cheesy corn and "burnt ends."

Sunday brings what my family used to refer to as a "merienda" (Literal translation: a picnic. Family translation: a Sunday excursion). I'm packing up a tote bag full of snacks and we're heading up to Storm King Art Center, a gorgeous sculpture park that's a little over an hour outside of the city. Seems like an ideal place to take in some art, breathe some fresh air, and have the kids get their yayas out. Of course, there's the detour to Woodbury Common that I'm going to sneak in on the way home (please don't tell my children).

On Monday we plan to hit the high seas on New York's newest attraction: The Splash Tour. This wacky tour vehicle is a modern-day Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: it cruises the streets of Manhattan, then slips into the water for a cruise on the Hudson. Thankfully, no flying is involved. I have a feeling we might need a drink after this experience so I will have my blender all ready and raring to go. Check out these recipes for everything from triple-berry daiquiris to tequila cosmopolitans. And since I am guessing that the fishing will be slim on the Hudson, I have already ordered up a clambake from Urban Lobster, a delivery service that will bring lobster rolls, shellfish, salads, sides, even lobster crackers to your doorstep. Of course, my kids won't touch it...so I'll be setting the oven to 450 for Mrs. Paul's.--Happy Weekend!. AS