News: Free Summer Circus Performances, Luna Park's School's Out Celebration and Swimming Lessons

It's official: the calendar says summer, even if my kids still have one more week of school. Once classes are out, they'll be looking for some fun entertainment, and we've got news of a lot of freebies! From a free museum festival to no-cost swimming lessons, complimentary circus performances and a school's out celebration at Luna Park, there are plenty of activities to banish summer boredom without emptying your pocketbook. And if you've got a wee one in Brooklyn, we have big news about a new public pre-K set to open.

Super Cheap Things to Do in the Hamptons & North Fork with Kids

When you think about the East End of Long Island, the first word that comes to mind usually isn't "cheap." So how can parents amuse their kids in the Hamptons and North Fork without inflicting too much pain on their wallets? Believe it or not, there are plenty of creative ways to stretch a dollar in this region. Activities like ferry rides, nature junkets and railroad excursions offer maximum entertainment value at limited expense.

Here are some innovative ideas for super-low-cost family outings on the East End. And for more things to do in the area, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Italian Festival, Somerset Patriots, Outdoor Movies, June 22-26

Festivals, outdoor movies and fireworks—it’s beginning to look a lot like summer! Get into the spirit of the season at outdoor events, including a Somerset Patriots Baseball Game, the annual Italian-American Festival and Fireworks on the Beach. Catch family films under the night sky at Turtle Back’s Zoo-vies and Scotch Plains’ Family Movie Night. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Summer Stargazing, S’mores, & Fantastic Mr. Fox June 22-26

By now all kids are out of school and summer is in full swing. I’m not saying this Poppins Mommy didn’t plan well, but our Summer Camp Guide is still coming in handy for last-minute adjustments. Better yet, make your own camp with WeeWork projects, local events, and lots of play. Fantastic Mr. Fox screens for free this week at the Brentwood Country Mart—even George Clooney’s voice manages to be handsome, and this is one of my family’s favorite movies. Gather 'round a campfire at the King Gillette Ranch or Franklin Canyon; loiter on the sidewalk for some stargazing in Burbank; and pack a picnic dinner for an evening of free Shakespeare in Griffith Park or a sing-along with Julie Andrews in the Hollywood Hills. Summertime means more action than ever on our Event Calendar!

Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Summer Movie Express, Honeybees, Fun Friday, June 22-26

For most Long Island kids, this is the last week of school, which means summer break is about to begin. But lots of seasonal fun has already started, like the popular Summer Movie Express ($1 flicks!). This week kids can also learn about honeybees, while teens can have some fun on Friday night.

For even more activities going on around LI, be sure to check out our Event Calendar. Spending some time on the East End? Take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Fishing, Free Music & Fun Fridays, June 22-26

With school already out (or almost out) in most local communities, it's the perfect time to enjoy some of those free summer concert series for kids and families we've been raving about here at Mommy Poppins Boston. Music not your thing? Not a problem! The calendar is chock-full of other free and fun family activities like the Free Fun Friday series, which kicks off this week with tons of attractions including the MIT Museum and Tanglewood. Whatever you choose to do, have a great week, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!

Lower Hudson Valley Destination: Sally's Dream Playground

At almost 9, my older is son is getting a bit jaded when it comes to playgrounds. He loves a good game of Frisbee in an open field, and he’s always up for tag, but take him to a typical playground and his attitude is meh. If there are no other kids his age, conquering the monkey bars quickly loses its shine and he starts asking to leave way before my 4-year-old is ready to go.

But Sally’s Dream Playground at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery is an exception. This playground features engaging challenges and fun for kids young and old, along with lots of open green space, paved trails for biking and scootering, picnic areas and more attractions. Sally's Dream Playground really lives up to its name; with everything this park offers, it's definitely worth the drive.

Weekday Events for NYC Kids: Lego Fest, Free Concerts, Museums & Fireworks June 22-26

Family fun ramps up as NYC public school kids get ready for summer vacation. This week, catch popular kindie rockers Suzi Shelton in Fort Greene Park and Recess Monkey in Madison Square Park. Plus Brick Fest Live! takes over the New York Hall of Science with tons of Lego-building activities.

This is our last weekday events roundup until school is back in session in September, but we've got your family's season covered in our Summer Fun Guide, which is packed with roundups of FREE movies, concerts, beaches, playgrounds, water fun and things to do every day. And there's even more options in our Event Calendar.

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