North Fork or South, along the ocean, Sound or bay, the East End is a nirvana to those who love the beach. But there are days when families prefer something other than sand under their feet (or rip currents around their ankles). Luckily, there are several well-maintained public pools to satisfy our urge to swim when we’ve had our fill of salt water.

The public pools below are ideal for families, low in cost and easy to access. All are staffed by certified lifeguards. Some may close for lessons or competitions; check their websites or call for the latest schedule and pricing information. Prices are as of July 2015.

And for the best in family entertainment throughout the East End, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

There’s an important new development for LEGO fans: the Monthly Mini Model Build now lasts two days instead of one! That’s right, the free LEGO signature event is on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, and you can reserve a model in advance. In fact, you must reserve; walk-ins will no longer be admitted.

Meanwhile, pet lovers have the 9th annual Dog Day Afternoon to look forward to at the Cathedral; Santa Monica’s Twilight Dance Series (and Tongva Park after Dark) commence for the summer, and the Natural History Museum revels in the warm summer evenings with a Friday night garden event.

July is officially underway, and so is county fair season! Family-fun fairs take place this week in Cumberland County and Ocean County, along with the Freedom Fest State Fair in Monmouth County. Heading to the shore? Stop by the Kiddie Beach Show in Point Pleasant or Wildwood’s New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Summer is in full swing, and there are plenty of activities happening for the kids all week long. Catching the end of the Tall Ships Celebration in Greenport, listening to live music at Jones Beach and creating a masterpiece at Safari Adventure are just a few of the fun things listed on our jam-packed events calendar. And if you're spending any time on the East End, be sure to look at our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Once again, I'm thrilled to see a long list of free things to do this week! After attending an amazing concert with my family at the Boston Public Library this past week (pictured), I can't recommend the free performances around town enough. And now that the Hatch Shell is open again, so is one of our favorite outdoor movie series, launching this week with everyone's favorite bear from Peru.

With all the fun activities, though, it's important for those elementary schoolers to keep up with their reading lists, too. Thankfully, ReadBoston has a great story time program going on all around the city with free books for kids.

Enjoy!

Every summer I struggle with the misimpression that July 4th marks the midpoint of the season, but in fact we have nearly two months left until the kids head back to school. Luckily, Connecticut is jam packed with family friendly summer activities such as this week's jewelry making workshop, agricultural fair, and beachside movie. 

For more inspiration check out our Event Calendar, which is updated throughout the week, and our Summer Fun Guide.  Join us on Facebook where you can keep up with everything happening for families in CT.

If every pencil, ruler or ear of corn becomes a potential weapon in the hands of your young swashbuckler, it may be time for a sword or stage combat class where those instincts can be channeled in a fun and productive way. Japanese and Korean martial art traditions stress the "art" of sword play as well as the importance of respect for the weapons and the opponent. Plus kids can improve their body mechanics, breathing patterns, agility and speed in a safe space with trained instructors.

Here are three places where New York City kids can work on their sword play and stage combat skills—far away from your fine china. You can find lots of other offbeat and enriching programs for children in our Classes Guide.

Indoor water parks are popular family destinations year-round; unlike a trip to the beach or a weekend in the woods, you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your good time. Great Wolf Lodge is always a favorite with the kids, but the resort recently invited us to check out its newest attraction in the Poconos: the interactive Slideboarding water slide.