The Inn at East Hill Farm: A Blissful Family Farm Vacation in New Hampshire

The Inn at East Hill Farm is a special place. It combines hands-on learning at a working farm with all the fun of sleepaway camp and the blissful convenience of an all-inclusive resort.

Nestled in the Mount Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, the resort has views that go on forever and a relaxed, when-you're-here-you're-family vibe. There are activities galore and all meals are included, so you won’t need to go anywhere else during your stay—and I’m guessing you’ll be happy to leave the car parked, let someone else do the cooking, and focus your energy on having a ball with your kids.

Inside Out at El Capitan: Parent Review of Pixar Movie & Live Light Show

Pixar's brand-new adventure, Inside Out, hits theaters this weekend, and once again audiences in Los Angeles have the edge on the rest of the country, because we have the option of seeing the film with El Capitan's live stage show. Neither the movie nor the show disappoints; Inside Out harks back to the studio's best work, reminiscent of Toy Story's perfectly balanced blend of wistfulness and whimsy; and the 3D LED light dance spectacle that precedes it is, frankly, out of this world. Ready to laugh, cry, and bathe yourself in a psychedelic glow? More to the point, are your kids ready? The film is rated PG for a reason, so here's what you need to know before taking young children to experience the Disney/Pixar summer blockbuster.

This Week: Family Getaways, Minions Advance Screening, Kid-Friendly Nature Trails

Summer fun continues this week with prehistoric adventures, sweet treat experiences and overnight camping—yes, right here in NYC parks!

Families can also take a day trip back to yesteryear with one of these old-school activities in New Jersey, like drive-in theaters, vintage trains and swimming holes. Or check out the slew of summer festivals and fairs in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including a Food Truck Rodeo and a street fair featuring a 1,000-foot-long Slip 'N Slide. And if you're heading to the Hamptons, peruse our list of kid-friendly nature walks on the East End.

Our Travel site has details on a family getaway to the Mount Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Win Tickets to Minions: A Despicable Opportunity!

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?

NJ Parks: Exploring the Regatta Playground in Essex County's South Mountain Recreation Complex

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.

Father's Day Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: Strawberries & Hubbub, June 20-21

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:

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

Inside Out Parent Review: Is Pixar's Amazing New Movie Good for All Ages?

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.

Inwood Hill Park: History, Hiking, Bouldering and Overnight Camping for NYC Kids

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.

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