Most independent schools are wrapping up the academic year this Friday, and while public school students still have a couple of weeks to go, summer is definitely on the horizon. Get ready for lazy mornings, later nights and more time to explore the city! We've got the scoop on a few cool new outdoor spaces to try, fresh museum exhibits to investigate and free classes to attend, as well as a popular play spot to avoid. Also, before you forget all about homework and grades, public school parents should take note that the DOE is launching a new online system to track student progress—so log on before you check out. 

My favorite summertime memories involve the beach, ice cream, and roller coasters. As a kid, I visited just about every amusement park in our area with my family; and now I’m able to create new memories with my own kids—who have finally reached the minimum height requirement! If we can make a weekend out of it and sneak in a visit to a city with plenty of other family-friendly activities and attractions, even better.

Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh has been one of America’s most popular parks since it first opened in 1898. Located just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, the park draws loyal fans from all over to experience its 31 major rides for kids of all ages. Visitors are also rewarded with a slew of special events planned for this summer—including its first annual KidsFest.

Summertime and the living in Southern California is easy. While parents all around the country are looking for seasonal vacation destinations, those of us lucky enough to live in SoCal are already here. There is nothing quite like our local beaches, and no better way to spend the summer months than on our shores.

Of course, taking very young ones to the beach can feel like a lot of work. Vigilance is especially necessary when the ocean looms, and keeping the kids in shallow waters is a full-time job, albeit a fun one. Who doesn’t love digging for sand crabs, building drip castles, and running screaming from the surf? Sometimes, though, it is nice to enjoy the beach in a more relaxing, contained manner. Fortunately, many of our beaches from Santa Barbara to San Diego have playgrounds, which is the perfect way to experience the beach without even needing to get your feet wet.

While summer is the season of outdoor fun in NYC, sometimes you need a break from the parks, beaches, sun and sweltering heat. Going to a kid-friendly museum exhibit is an engaging and enriching way to spend a humid afternoon soaking up some culture along with cool air-conditioning.

Not only are most of the spring exhibits we highlighted still on view, there's also a fresh batch of kid-pleasing installations opening as well as a few new permanent attractions. We've got the scoop on where kids can get up close and personal with live spiders, learn American history, party like a rock star and make like Katniss from The Hunger Games. Plus, One World Observatory is finally open and a must-see.

Anglophile Angelenos have much to celebrate this week. The Discovery Cube in Orange County debuts The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, a special installation dedicated to the art and science of deduction. Young sleuths work with a detective’s notebook and other hands-on crime-solving activities. Britain's most famous detective follows on the trail of Britain's most famous bard: For a user-friendly introduction to classic theater this week, take the family to the Rogue Artists Ensemble's Shakespeare(ish).

If you prefer to embrace our American heritage, specifically here in the West, this is the week for the Autry's free day. And with summer here (or nearly, depending on your school schedule), music and movies are all over the place. Read on for our top picks for the week.

June is proving to be a busy month with lots of cultural events and delicious eats. This week, activities for little ones include the Montclair Art Museum’s Park Bench and the Morris Museum’s Tot Tours. For food-centric fun, bring your appetites to the New Jersey Seafood Festival and Dollar Dog Night. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

With just a few more weeks of school left, things are getting really busy on Long Island. This week, kids can explore different cultures at Hofstra, enjoy a popular story and make a craft at Book Revue's Toddler Time, and enjoy rides and treats at a local festival.

For even more activities going on around LI, be sure to check our Event Calendar. Spending some time on the East End? Take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

This is a great week for young music fans, especially those who like to participate! In fact, participation is the theme for most of our picks this week. Kids can exercise their vocal chords, try out instruments, or don hats and masks as part of a show.

The first of several outdoor movie series also starts this week. With many more free flicks to come at different venues this summer, I'm already starting to pencil in my top choices. Read on for our picks of the week, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!