One summer movie kids can’t wait to see is Minions, the prequel to the highly successful Despicable Me series. Most families have to wait until the film's release on July 10, but a handful of lucky Mommy Poppins readers can catch a sneak peek of these mischievous little fellows back in action at an advance screening hosted by our sponsor, Universal Studios, on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 11am at AMC Loews Lincoln Square. Want to surprise your kids with some free tickets?

The Regatta Playground in West Orange has been on my to-do list since it opened in 2014. Now that my family and I have visited the nautical-themed romping spot, I can confirm it's not just your run-of-the-mill playground. Located at Cherry Lane, the Regatta Playground is the newest addition to the South Mountain Recreation Complex, which also includes the Turtle Back Zoo, the Essex County Treetop Adventure Course, Codey Arena and MiniGolf Safari. With all those attractions, the complex is a pleasant day trip, although the Regatta Playground is a destination unto itself.

After a great afternoon watching all types of dance from flamenco to Iranian at the Dance for World Community Festival last Saturday, my family is ready to hit the woods for some Father's Day camping this weekend. But if the dad in your life isn't the outdoorsy type, never fear. On their special day, dads can enjoy free admission to local attractions, jazz on an island, a heaping plate of strawberry shortcake and plenty of other Father's Day family fun. And while Sunday is all about dads, book-loving families won't want to miss the Hubbub in Copley Square on Saturday.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Fill your calendar with music using our roundup of free summer outdoor concerts.
• If you've never visited Mass Audubon's South Shore Sanctuaries, get the lowdown on what to do there with kids.
• For a quick getaway, discover what the Mount Monadnock region has to offer families.
• Kids can have tons of fun getting messy with water gun painting.
• As summer heats up in Boston, these spray decks and wading pools can keep kids cool.

Enjoy your Father's Day weekend, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!

There was a time when the release of any Pixar movie seemed like a major event. Even before I became a mom, I ran to the theater on opening weekend to see Toy Story 1 and 2, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. After my daughter was born, we enjoyed WALL-E, Up and Toy Story 3 together. But I admit, our Pixar fever waned a bit over the past few years, perhaps due to increased animation competition, or maybe it was just those awful Planes movies (technically not Pixar flicks, but spun off from Cars). So my 9-year-old kid and I were thrilled to discover that Pixar's brand-new adventure, Inside Out, harks back to the studio's best work. It's got Toy Story's perfectly balanced blend of wistfulness and whimsy, mixed with a surreal, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-style take on the complex emotions and memories that make us tick.

At the advance screening we attended, kids and grown-ups were enthralled—even the group of rowdy teens in front of us stopped texting, they were so into it. At times, each group laughed out loud (or cried) at different scenes, proof that the movie works on multiple levels. And yet, even though this is the first must-see family film of the summer, is it good for all ages? It's rated PG for a reason, so here's what you need to know before taking young children to see Inside Out.

When my Brooklyn family needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of NYC, we don't leave town; we head straight for Inwood Hill Park in Upper Manhattan, where we spend the day picnicking, hiking and bouldering. You name the outdoor activity and this awesome park probably offers it. You can even go camping here!

While exploring the park is a fun-filled activity at any time of year, the opportunity to sleep under the stars (in a tent, actually) is only offered in the summer. The Parks Department family camping lottery takes place today, Wednesday, June 17 (don't worry if you miss it—there will be other sessions this season), and my kids are teeming with excitement at the thought of being selected. If overnight camping is a little more adventure than you're ready to take on, Inwood Hill Park offers lots of other activities for all ages, including family drumming and capoeira, a Brazilian art form fusing dance, martial arts and music.

How often do I find myself at a loss for what to do with my child between dance and soccer? I only have a little over an hour, but that 60 minutes can be tough for my little one if I don't make the right plans. Sometimes, a simple trip to the library will suffice, but other times I opt for a children's show at the 49-seat Little Theater in West LA, a destination we have previously spotlighted as a great place to capture your youngster's attention.

The two plays currently playing at The Little Theater are Snow White and Three Bully Goats Gruff, and each one runs a little less than an hour.

Do, re, mi, fa…so your years spent singing the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle has instilled a love for music in your child? If they aspire to be the next Justin Bieber then signing your child up for singing or dancing classes might be a good idea. Lucky for you, there are many voice and dance instructors in the Hartford County area that can help  your talented performer progress.

It's easy to find a place to drop in for a quick treat like an ice cream cone or a brownie in New York City—after all, there are delis, bodegas and bakeries on just about every corner. But sometimes you want to indulge in something more extravagant with your kids, maybe as a reward for a hard-earned report card, a special occasion or an impromptu celebration with a couple of friends. Of course, this being NYC, there are some seriously over-the-top treat experiences to be enjoyed. From chocolate pizza to tricked-out candy stores to old-fashioned sundaes bigger than your child's head, these 10 exceptional sweet spots are anything but ordinary.