Here’s hoping you’re staying in town this weekend, ’cause there’s plenty for families to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

For one, it’s a great time to visit the New York Renaissance Faire, as there are perks for kids--including free admission! For an excellent excuse to get messy (think mud pit and pie tosses!), support a good cause at Muddy Puddles Mess Fest. More fun can be had at the South Salem Fire Department's Carnival, and evening entertainment includes an instrument petting zoo at the Kid's Night concert.

Read on for more details on our top weekend picks--many of which are FREE. Planning the rest of the summer? Check out our August GoList for our top picks for the month. And remember to check out the myriad of weekday and weekend events we've captured in our Event Calendar!

No sitter? No problem! Grab the kids and head over to one of the various places on Long Island that host family-friendly happy hours. Mom and dad can enjoy an early dinner, drink specials and fewer crowds before the dinner rush.

While you're at it, check out our roundup of restaurants where kids eat free. And for more seasonal activities, visit our Summer Fun Guide.

As mid-August approaches (already!), wet your appetite for summer fun at tasty outdoor weekend festivals, including Jersey Fresh Festival, Peach, Princess & Pirate Celebration and the sweet S’mores Galore. Enjoy creative and performing arts this weekend at Hub City Sounds and New Jersey Botanical Gardens’ Summer Craft Fair. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends.

For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

We have been telling you about lots of fun farm trips to take this harvest season, most in the tri-state area that are a short drive, train trip or subway ride away. We recently visited Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, which could be considered the pinnacle of family-friendly farms. Located in the heart of Amish Country, it's just a little too far away for a day trip, but a perfect destination for some family farm fun on Columbus Day weekend (or any other weekend, for that matter.) Read on for our highlights of the farm and find out what else to do in the area.

While August has arrived, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found before the kids return to school next month. And no amount of hot and humid weather will undermine the final month of summer vacation.

This weekend, there’s art and culture on the North Fork, and science and discovery on the South. Mix in a fair amount of carnival activity and you have the makings of a spirited weekend no matter what the temperature might read. And remember to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in the East End entertainment.

Summertime means beach time, but while there are lots of shores near and even in NYC, some are more family-friendly than others. After packing up all your gear and schlepping the kids by car, train, bus or ferry, the last thing you want to find out is that your chosen beach has no bathroom or that bathing suits are optional. Skip the guesswork with our roundup of the top five beaches for NYC families, including detailed info on attractions, food, bathrooms and hidden costs. All are within 90 minutes of Manhattan by car but they're easily accessible via public transportation, too.

If you have children, you know the hours between 4pm and 6pm are particularly difficult. Referred to as "the witching hours" by many parents, this stretch of time (after naptime, but before dinner and bath time) can be hard to fill, leading to bored, whiny kids and grouchy moms and dads. If you're tired of wracking your brain for late afternoon activities, it might be time to take advantage of your local eateries Happy Hour specials. Enjoy a cocktail and some kid-friendly appetizers with a few friends. The kids will love the change of scenery and parents will enjoy the discounted treats and time to socialize. We've put together a great list of family-friendly restaurants where you can turn the "witching hour" into a happy hour for the entire family.

There's still plenty of time this summer to sneak away from the sticky city heat for a little weekend trip. A relaxing family jaunt to coastal Maine, a mountain town in Vermont, the sun and sand at the Jersey shore are all great getaways when you're looking to skip town. We've rounded up five of our favorite family weekend destinations for summertime fun.