We're just one week into summer break and already my kid has made her own chocolate, gone to her first commuter camp outside the city and changed her name to Blue. I can't wait to see what adventures the rest of the season has in store!

Two things I know we'll be doing this 4th of July weekend are stalking the Good Humor Truck that's giving out FREE ice cream and staking out a spot to watch Macy's Fireworks. But if your family is itching to hightail it out of town for a holiday day trip, our regional sites have posts about the most explosive Independence Day celebrations in Westchester, New Jersey, on Long Island and beyond, all probably much less crowded than Macy's.

Looking to plan out the rest of your month? We just published a roundup of the best things to do throughout July in NYC, and our Travel site has a list of awesome summer travel deals to destinations near (Boston) and far (Rome!), plus details on a Puerto Vallarta trip giveaway.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

The words "Mommy & Me" don't always have to preface responsible activities like infant swim classes; Mommy & Me movies allow even the most devoted parents a chance to revel in adult pleasures. New moms and dads can get out and see a movie that they want to see - not an animated or children's film - without having to leave their baby at home or worry about their little one disturbing other guests. Participating theaters focus on making it work for babies, with amenities that include changing tables, soft lighting, and a place to park your stroller. And the best part: little ones can cry and nurse and fuss without fear of dirty looks or shushing. Plus, because the films are shown during the day, prices are of the lower, matinee variety - and the infants are free!

It's officially summer and what better way to celebrate than with ice cream—FREE ice cream!! Good Humor is marking the birth of our nation with not one, not two, but 12 days of complimentary ice cream all over downtown Manhattan. Moving throughout the area, one neighborhood at a time, the newfangled Good Humor Truck and a lineup of pedicabs and cars will be spreading joy with no-cost treats for all. We've got the scoop on how you can catch up with the Good Humor Man and get your free frozen treat.

Happy Fourth of July! With no shortage of fireworks and other celebrations this weekend, it's easy to find tons of potential outings for your family. The hardest part might be narrowing it down to only a few!

While most events this weekend focus on Independence Day, including those celebrating local history, summer is in full swing with ongoing activities at Faneuil Hall, Frog Pond, and the Harbor Islands. I personally can't wait to storm the fort on Georges Island with my family. And just in time for all this outdoor fun, the City of Boston has launched a pilot program that provides free sunscreen dispensers in Boston parks, including at Boston Common and Christopher Columbus Park. 

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• How amazing is the newest exhibit at the Museum of Science? Read our review of The Science Behind Pixar to find out.
• The July GoList is up with our don't-miss picks of things to do for the month.
• Strawberry season may be coming to a close, but you won't have to wait long to start picking blueberries!

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

When the sun is blazing and the temperatures are soaring, you'll likely find yourself looking for a quick way to cool down. Beaches are great; however there’s often something just a little easier about dealing with swimming pools vs. a beach: no waves to contend with; no rip tides to worry about; no mucky river bottoms to grimace over. And while Westchester offers many options for poolside fun, Hil-Mar Lodge in Orange County has become my family's go-to for a day at the pool. At just under an hour from central Westchester, Hil-Mar makes a great day-trip destination from anywhere in the Lower Hudson Valley area.

One of our favorite go-to places to hang out when we need to get out of the house is our local Bridgeport zoo, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.  We’ve never been disappointed with a trip to visit the animals.  The manageable size of this zoo makes it a doable day trip with just me and the three kids (and a stroller). Even at the peak of the summer season the zoo doesn’t feel over-crowded, although sometimes at its busiest you need to get creative with parking in the small lot.

As far as holidays go, the 4th of July is pretty hard to beat! No big turkey to cook or presents to wrap, just sticky sweet watermelon, some relaxed outdoor cooking and time with friends and family. If you’re still undecided about where to watch fireworks, you can check out two awesome displays down the shore – Oceanfest in Long Branch and the 4th of July Fireworks Show in Asbury Park. Or head to Liberty State Park for Jersey City’s Freedom & Fireworks Festival overlooking the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. And for more laid back family fun, head to the last weekend of the NJ State Fair or work off some of that holiday BBQ indulgence with a guided walk at Tenafly Nature Center.

Whatever you decide to do this 4th of July weekend, we hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends. For even more patriotic fun, check out our guide to the Biggest & Best July 4th Fireworks in New Jersey.

"Three-five-seven-nine! Whose kid wants to cheer lead? Mine!" At the ripe old age of 7, my born-and-bred New York City daughter has settled on her career of choice: cheerleader. She even dressed as one for Halloween. Initially I told her, "Sorry sweetie, I don't think there are any cheerleading programs in NYC. It's mostly a suburban sport." But then I did the research. Turns out there are some NYC cheerleading programs open to kids from all five boroughs (not just students in specific schools). Who knew?

Before you balk, keep in mind that cheerleading is actually a challenging physical activity and offers similar benefits as gymnastics. Participants strengthen their muscles, improve their coordination and flexibility and learn to work as a team. It's not all chanting and pom-poms.

So if you also have an aspiring cheerleader on your hands, here are six NYC programs where she can work on her thigh stands, steppers and cupies.