Last summer when my family and I were lucky enough to visit Singapore for a whole week, one of our favorite activities was going to the hawker food stalls, which are just what they sound like: stands in a sprawling indoor market. Going to the hawker stalls is quite an event; they are hot and crowded, and there’s exotic, interesting, amazing food everywhere you look.

Our travels in Asia were fantastic, but NYC never lets us down. It seems like no matter what adventure we enjoy around the globe, there’s a version of it right here at home. Yes, Queens, the undisputed center of the universe for international cuisine, has its own take on hawker stalls in Flushing’s Chinatown. It's the New World Mall Food Court, which offers incredible, inexpensive eats from China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea and Thailand all under one roof.

With so many choices and lots of menu items not listed in English, the food hall can be a bit overwhelming and chaotic. We took a visit to share some tips on how to make the most of an ethnic food adventure in the Asian food halls of Queens with your kids.

School is winding down and what better way to start your summer than with a fun family outing? Gather up the troops for a day of patriotic entertainment at Somerset County’s Flag Day Festival, get up close and personal with insects during Butterfly Bonanza at Pyramid Mountain or take curious toddlers to the beautiful Grounds for Sculpture for a hands-on Tots on Tour program. Or if you just want to sit back and relax, we’ve got you covered there, too! Catch a musicalization of Curious George at Paper Mill Playhouse or head to iPlay America to rock out to the Laurie Berkner Band.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy the wonderful weather with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

From history celebrations to marine ecology classes to creative arts and crafts, educational programs abound on the East End this weekend. Whether you're on the North Fork or South, you’re sure to find an activity that inspires your child’s intellectual curiosity—and maybe even yours, too.

Do you know from where the first Southampton settlers came? Or why ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice? Or how horseshoe crabs survived the dinosaur extinction? If not, check out some of these weekend picks with your kids. And for more fun on the East End, peruse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Kids (and parents, too) will go crazy for Flying Tiger, the new ultra-affordable Danish design store that recently opened its first U.S. location right here in New York City. The 5,000-square-foot Flatiron shop is bright, colorful, fun and, for my two kids, instantly addictive. They wanted one of almost everything, which was okay since 85 percent of the merchandise is under $10.

Here you'll find everything from soup bowls to socks, place mats to Post-its, bike bells to a bevy of brushes—that's paint, tooth, hair, dish and toilet bowl brushes, that last one in the shape of a potted flower, no less. Even kids who usually think shopping is a chore will enjoy browsing this tchotchke paradise.

Father’s Day is more toned down than Mother’s Day, and most dads I know would say that’s a good thing. There’s no pressure to have a perfect day, just license to take some time off, relax, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and goof off a little with the kids.

When you ask the dads in your life what they want to do to celebrate, they often draw a blank. So last year we rounded up 10 things dads actually want to do for Father's Day for inspiration. This year, we're sharing 10 more ideas to help you plan a fun outing for the whole family—but especially for the man of honor.

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.