The countdown to school is on! Start dusting those cobwebs off the brains at educational and fun events this week, such as Morris Museum’s Science Tuesdays, Montclair Art Museum’s Park Bench and RVCC Planetarium's The Little Star That Could. Plus, there’s still plenty of time for summer festivities like the Ocean City Baby Parade and the Somerset County 4-H Fair. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Inevitably, as we make our way through the summer, there are things that look like fun to do that we don't get around to doing; so here is a gentle reminder. Our weather has been sublime, and there are so many opportunities to enjoy the out-of-doors: concerts, movies, Shakespeare, The Hollywood Bowl, and stargazing all come to mind.  My own family will be celebrating our daughter (and the weather) on the beach this week: Happy Birthday, Juliet! 

Many of you may have read our review of Inside Out. When Roberta says the show at El Capitan is worth the expense and bother of braving Hollywood Boulevard at the height of tourist season, she knows what she is talking about. My daughter loved the movie, and the pre-show was indeed spectacular, combining live action and 3-D for a truly psychedelic experience.

Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for more free and discounted activities.

Before we know it, summer will be over so it's time to get out there and enjoy some fun events.  We've rounded up some of our favorite activities for the week from across the state, from a national puppet festival  to a 4-H Fair  to a gadeteer workshop, and so much more. Whatever you decide to do this week, don't forget to check the full Event Calendar for more fun things to do!

From free outdoor movies to family-friendly fairs, there is still plenty of fun to be had this summer. And this list is just the beginning: Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with activities to keep kids of all ages busy, while our Summer Fun Guide has tons of cool ideas on ways to enjoy the season. Spending time out East? Check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

This week is filled to the brim with oodles of outdoor activities! Some of these are just perfect for checking off items on your end of summer bucket list. But if the heat's getting to you, never fear. It's also a great week to stay indoors with your LEGO fan, with a fun event south of town with Master Builder, Ian Coffey, as well as newly discounted admission prices at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Whether you've got a young builder, stargazer, or naturalist, you're sure to find something to please everyone in the crowd. Don't forget to check the full Event Calendar for other fun happenings!

Before having kids one of my favorite weekend activities was catching an early dinner before heading to an evening theater production or concert. Happily, post baby, that hasn't changed much (well, unless you consider that strollers, stuffed animals and gigantic characters in neon costumes are now part of the equation). Theater and music are fun, creative and enriching outlets for kids of all ages—and their parents! And while living so close to New York City makes it easy to catch a show anytime, there are plenty of venues in Westchester County that cater to young audiences with top-notch kid-friendly performances. We've rounded up the best live theater venues and performing arts centers that offer quality productions for kids in Westchester!

If you’re planning a family vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona, there are plenty of wonderful resorts with large pool complexes for plenty of fun in the sun—and there’s lots of sun. But, don’t go all the way to Arizona just to jump in a pool. Scottsdale offers loads of cultural and natural attractions to explore the unique Southwest. We visited to experience it for ourselves so we could share the best things to do with kids in Scottsdale.

The salty sea air, the sweet smell of pizza, and the giggles of children.  This is what awaited us in Mystic, Connecticut last week.
Mystic is a charming New England village nestled on Long Island sound, 1 hour southeast of Hartford, 3 hours east of New York City, and 2 hours south of Boston.