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.

It’s the Fourth of July on the East End of Long Island--the biggest weekend of the summer. What better time to unleash your child’s independent spirit? From the North Fork to the South, activities galore celebrate our nation’s heritage. Where else can you take in a parade in the morning, tall ships in the afternoon and--assuming your kids have enough staying power--a carnival and fireworks under the stars?  

Just in case you want to break away from Fourth of July fervor, there are plenty of other activities, as well indoor events just in case it rains on our holiday parades.

Be sure to check out our complete roundup of Long Island’s fireworks shows. And when you’re finished, browse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

August is the new September. As July unfurls before us, we have to face the fact that, in most districts, August means back to school already. Most Los Angeles area schools now start their school years smack dab in the middle of summer, though one or two districts still cling to the time-honored "wait until Labor Day" approach. All of this can make summer camp complicated to maneuver for some families, even as others are knee-deep in homework.

From West Covina's August 5 start date (really, West Covina?  Really?) to Torrance’s September 10, don't just assume you know when school starts based on last year! Check our list of start and finish dates for the 2015-2016 school year in and around LA County before booking the family vacation.

Summer is expensive. There’s camp, and vacations, and a bazillion trips to the ice cream parlor (if you live in my house). Activities can also be costly: covering admission for an entire family to a museum is pricey, and don’t get me started on amusement parks.

Savvy Mommy Poppins readers already know that there is lots to do that is free, and many of our local theaters and museums offer free or discounted days throughout the month. This week the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the Huntington in Pasadena both have free days. One place always worth the price of admission, though, is the Hollywood Bowl; this week the Bowl screens Back to the Future; hard to believe it’s been 30 years…

The East End of Long Island has no shortage of coffee houses, where local artisanal flavors blend with Manhattan sensibilities to create some of the best caffeine creations. But where to go if you’re absolutely longing for a caramel macchiato (and don't want to drink it on the run), but are all wrapped up in mommy or daddy duties?

Along with kid-friendly eateries in the Hamptons and North Fork, there are also a handful of family-friendly coffee shops on the East End that will let you indulge your craving in an atmosphere sure to delight your little ones, and we've rounded up a few of our favorites. For more family fun in the area, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.