With school supplies evolving from the Trapper Keepers and Scooby Doo lunch boxes of our childhoods to pricey tablets and fancy headphones, savvy parents' money-saving tips and tricks for back-to-school shopping have also come a long way. And, after spending far too much of the last few summers clipping coupons and hunting for promo codes myself to tackle expensive supply lists, cash back apps are one modern-day hack I'm totally adding to my shopping arsenal this year.

Now, with programs like Ibotta, you can download a free app or browser extension, create an account, and immediately start earning cash when you shop online or in-store. By saving special offers to the app, syncing your online shopping accounts, or even submitting photos of receipts after an in-person shopping trip, there are a number of ways to earn cash back on your purchases with minimal extra effort. Plus, the network of participating partners is so huge—including popular retailers like Walmart, CVS, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s—that I truly can't believe I haven't been using this rewards program all along.

Now, to take some of the stress out of tackling long school supply lists at a time when so many families could use a little extra support, Ibotta is offering 100% cash back on select learning essentials and groceries on top of the usual savings. Read on to learn more about Ibotta's cash back app, and find out how to secure your free gear before it's time to pack up those backpacks.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia offers endless adventures for the entire family: from the magical carousel to heart-pumping roller coasters, there's an activity for everyone. Although it was a scorching hot 100-degrees for our recent visit, my husband and our three children (ages 6, 10, and 13) plus their grandmother, all had a wonderful time! It's a great place to create memories together—you just need a good game plan. Below are my tips for planning a visit to make sure your whole crew has a wonderful day.

For more inside tips and tricks to enjoying all the best theme parks and water parks in SoCal (including how to get discounted tickets to all the amusement parks!), check out our guides to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland California, and more.

Sometimes all you want to do during New York's hot and humid summer is lounge around a pool all day. While New York has plenty of FREE public swimming pools, the rules can be overbearing, and it's nice to have some options that offer more amenities. At these beach clubs and private pools, you'll find extras like food, lounge chairs, cabanas, beach access, and amazing views. We've rounded up seven outdoor, family-friendly swimming pools offering day passes, and we even include a trio of state park pools to deliver big fun without breaking the bank. Find more cool options for the season in our Summer Fun Guide.

Young paleontologists no longer have to trek into the city to get a dose of dinosaurs. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre has long enchanted us with its exhibits featuring fossils, models, and live animals. New for summer 2021, it's added brand new dinosaurs—including animatronic models—and more interactive features.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more fun places to explore in our Guide to Museums for Long Island Kids.

The route is mapped out, the car is gassed (or charged) up, and endless interstate adventures are waiting for you at every toll booth. Road trips with kids can mean miles of smiles, or miles of boredom, tummy aches, and constant refrains of “are we there yet.” We much prefer the former, so we’re relying on these road trip essentials to keep the whole gang happy for hours on the highway.

In a pinch, don't forget about these old-school road trip games you probably played in the backseat, too. 'I Spy,' anyone? License Plate game?

We know it's hot in Houston, but that just means you can indulge in ice cream year-round. Whether it's an after-school treat, weekend break, or an after-dinner outing while savoring those last rays of sunlight, these spots have the best ice cream and frozen desserts in Houston.

Need more ways to cool off? Try one of Houston's splash pads or free swimming pools when you're done with your sweet treat.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Did you know that July is the official National Ice Cream Month in the United States? In honor of this, we’ve put together a list of the top ice cream shops in Central Florida. Whether you want traditional ice cream, soft serve, gelato, or unique options like rolled ice cream, we've got you covered.

Even if you are reading this outside of the summer months, in Florida you can can enjoy ice cream year-round. So plan a special outing to indulge in a cool treat. And if ice cream is not your thing, we’ve also included places to find other sweet treats, from pies, to donuts, to flavored marshmallows.

Forget grocery store bouquets—by mid-summer, Connecticut fields are bursting with sunflowers and other brightly colored flowers, and many farms allow families to cut their own bouquets to bring home. Kids can enjoy selecting the most beautiful blooms to carefully arrange in vases, press into books, or weave into hair crowns. Bonus fun: One of these sunflower farms has a flower maze, too! 

For more PYO fun, see our list of Connecticut farms where kids can pick berries, summer fruit, and veggies.