What kids eat is very important and having the right snack can actually improve a child's ability to learn. Our school occupational therapy consultant, Casey Halper, put together a list of sensory smart snacks just in time for back to school. That means that they are snacks that help kids stay alert and focused in school without making them hyper and restless. These are great snack ideas for children in school, but would be equally great snack choices for toddlers too.

For more tips and sensory activities for kids of all ages, see our posts on Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers, DIY Sensory Activities for Babies, and our giant list of 99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages.

Those seeking alfresco art have plenty of options to choose from this summer as a slew of brand-new, kid-friendly displays just debuted in New York City.

So skip the indoors, and make the city's parks and streets your summer museum while you check out these nine public works of art, including a giant Hello Kitty and a cheerful canopy of colorful umbrellas. Our list includes uptown and downtown spots, Times Square, Brooklyn, Governors Island and the Bronx.

Find even more outdoor public art in New York in our earlier list of spring debuts.

As temperatures rise, summery outdoor festivals are sizzling throughout the state this week. Delicious food, games, rides and fun are in abundance at St. Ann's Italian Festival, Monmouth County Fair and NJ Peach Festival-Gloucester County 4-H Fair. Just for little ones, spend outdoor time at Growing in the Garden and Butterfly Tea Party. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Here we are, smack-dab in the middle of summer when there are tons of cool things to do in our city. We all know that. But did you know a lot of the fun is free? To prove it, this week we've rounded up five activities that won't cost you a penny.

But wait, there's more! You can also celebrate National Lollipop Day on Monday with a no-cost, made-in-California confection from See’s Candy (only a sucker would pass that up); enjoy free admission to The Arboretum and Descanso Gardens on Tuesday; and catch complimentary concerts and movies throughout the week.

Remember, you can find even more free and low-cost activities in our jam-packed Event Calendar.

Entertainment abounds for Westchester families this week, with various performances the whole family can enjoy. There’s a comedic juggling show and an outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz, for starters. And if your kids want to switch roles and claim the spotlight, sign them up for Open Mic Night at the Paramount Hudson Valley. Read on for our top picks for each weekday, but remember--you’ll find even more great activities to choose from on our Event Calendar!

This week is filled with kid-friendly fun. From outdoor movies and live theater to animal fun and a carnival, there is something to keep your child entertained--and mom and dad are sure to have a good time, too.

These are just a few of the things on our jam-packed events calendar so be sure to check back regularly. And if you're spending any time on the East End, visit our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Most locals know about the great activities going on at Massachusetts museums this summer as part of Free Fun Fridays. But in case you didn't know, some museums offer free events on other weekdays, including Neighborhood Nights at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (pictured). Having attended one of these free evenings before, I can tell you that they are fun for everyone in the family.

Trying to avoid summer slide? STEM camps offer one way to keep kids' minds active, but you can also inject a little STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) into your child's day at local parks. As always, some great outdoor concerts round out the week, so have a great one, and don't forget to check out the full Event  Calendar!

We are finally settled into our summer routine, and once again I've been reminded of the value of planning: having a few activities penciled into my calendar (or bookmarked in my browser) gives me a plan of attack the moment I hear that dreaded summer whine, "I'm boooooooooored!" This week there are some terrific activities all over the state, including free concerts, a campfire, and even a luau.  If you're looking to beat the heat, our Summer Fun Guide has lots of great suggestions including a rundown of beach day trips, and our event calendar is updated throughout the week!  Stay cool, and have fun!