We're heading into the last few weeks of summer vacation before school starts, so let's make the most of it. This week, there's magic, outdoor movies, swimming and more. And that's just the beginning--there is so much more on our Long Island Events Calendar.

For more ideas on how to enjoy the season on Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide. And if you're spending any time on the East End, visit our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Can you believe it's August? It's the last gasp of summer, and I confess I'm feeling the pressure to make memories and make every moment count. But it's also hot and steamy, and sometimes the goal of keeping everyone cool and entertained for a whole afternoon--nevermind a whole day!--seems challenging indeed. We've rounded up some of our favorite activities for the week from across the state, sure to entertain kids of all ages and interests, from a magic show that will delight kids and their parents to a rock concert just for teenagers to a car show for the whole family, and so much more. Check out our Event Calendar for even more suggestions. Have a great week!

With temperatures soaring, New Yorkers everywhere are looking for ways to beat the heat. The city's outdoor public pools are a great, FREE way to cool off, but they can be tricky to navigate with a baby or young toddlers. I recently visited McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg with my 10-month-old and while we had a great time, there are definitely some things to keep in mind when visiting with your youngest kids. We've got details on McCarren's recently renovated outdoor pool, plus tips to help make trips to NYC pools more enjoyable for baby—and parents!

One of the biggest pleasures of fall is watching the leaves turn a variety of vibrant colors. While you can see gorgeous fall foliage all over the Northeast, from New York City to New Jersey and beyond, the Delaware Water Gap is one of the best spots around for hue-filled hikes for families.

Located on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap is less than a two-hour drive from NYC so it's close enough to make a great autumn daycation. To find the best family-friendly hiking trails in the area, we turned to the experts: local parents Cheryl and William de Jong-Lambert, who regularly blog about their excursions at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Kids Outdoors New York City, a FREE online community for families featuring alfresco activities in the tri-state area. The trees should start changing any day now so keep these outings in mind for the upcoming school holidays like Columbus Day weekend.

My kids are water park fanatics, so when we were invited to check out the new and improved Splashplex in East Hanover, they had their goggles on faster than you can say "cascading waterfall pool". And the Splashplex upgrade did not disappoint--read on for Mommy Poppins New Jersey's review of the newly-expanded summer companion to one of our favorite indoor amusement parks, the Funplex.

Like many other little girls her age my three year old daughter is currently all about Princesses and dressing up. For her most recent birthday party we celebrated with a ballerina theme and all the guests dressed up in tutus. Now she has already started planning for her next soiree which is nine months away. To make your own child’s birthday festivities just as magical try out one of these fun choices in Hartford County and it will be a fancy gala your little Princess will always remember. For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!