Top Things to Do in Connecticut This Weekend: Food Festival, Great American Campout

Take to the high seas. Photo courtesy of New England Science & Sailing Foundation

Warmer temps have officially arrived in the Nutmeg State and we are here for it! Bring on beach tripsmovie nights, and jumping into a lake. Start summer with loads of family fun by indulging in sweet treats at the North Haven “Fair” Food Festival, snorkeling at Summer Family Weekend Expeditions, or celebrating pride in Ridgefield. 

As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on happenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.

 

25 Cool Things To Do in LA this Weekend with Kids: First Fireworks, Railway's Last Run

First fireworks of the season: The Chino Fireworks Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the City of Chino

Y'all might not have noticed, but it is now officially and truly summer in these parts, and the events this weekend reflect it. There's a rooftop block party, camping and fishing in local parks, and a music and art fest featuring Las Cafeteras. And those are just a few of our favorite things to do in LA this weekend! We are minutes away from the 4th of July weekend, which—spoiler alert—is going to have fireworks aplenty this year. In fact, some are even taking place early, like this weekend.

And while favorites, like the Hollywood Bowl and the Cabrillo Aquarium, are back, we're also saying goodbye to a beloved local railway. There's still time for one last ride into the sunset, so grab your tickets and climb aboard.

It's time for beaches, summer camps, hot summer blockbusters, blooming lilac fields, and all manner of fun in the sun—just check out our Summer Fun Guide for all the best summer activities in LA. Meanwhile, keep reading for our hottest picks for this weekend in LA...

Best Things To Do in Orlando This Weekend with Kids: Disney Princesses, Summerween

Sunset at the Zoo is (inexpensive) fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy of Central Florida Zoo

This weekend in Orlando summer has really arrived: the humidity is in full swing, and afternoon storms are rolling in. So we've highlighted our favorite indoor activities in Orlando for those days when it's too hot or rainy for outdoor activities. There are tons of free (and cheap) things to do in Orlando this weekend: trick-or-treating in June at Summerween, spend an evening with the animals at the zoo, and enjoy a family movie night on the fairway. Families can also beat the heat at favorite theme parks after dark and enjoy rides, fireworks, shows, and more!

Be sure to check out our list of the best Orlando Fourth of July events to plan for the upcoming holiday, as well as our Summer Fun Guide to keep the kids busy with summer activities in Orlando every minute until fall.

Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids this Weekend: Pride, Strawberry Festival

Celebrate love, diversity & inclusion at Navy Pier Pride. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

School's out for summer this week—luckily there are so many things to do in Chicago this weekend that it'll be a snap to keep kids busy! While Pride weekend has been rescheduled, families can still enjoy Pride events this weekend like Pride in the Park in Grant Park, Navy Pier Pride, or a drag story time at WNDR Museum. And summer festivals in Chicago are back with favorites like the annual Strawberry Fest in Long Grove and Orland Hills' Party in the Park

Stay local and cool this weekend in Chicago at one of the best free public pools, fabulous family beaches, or wonderfully wet water parks. Or get out of the city with one of these day trips near Chicago or a visit to one of these amazing lake resorts for families. Now is a great time to plan your bucket list of summer activities in Chicago with our Summer Fun Guide!

Here are some of our favorite events this weekend in Chicago.

14 Themed Playgrounds in NJ that Take Fun to New Heights

Climb the ropes at KidStreet Playground. Photo by  Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Now that playground season has arrived, it’s time to pack your sunscreen, hats, and bottled water and head to the park. If you’re looking for some new options to captivate your kids, both young and old, choose an outdoor play space with a cool theme to keep them entertained. From a supersized sailing ship to an entire wooden village for tots, these unique playgrounds go beyond the usual swings and slides.

For more ideas, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.

Dumbo With Kids: 50 Fun Things to Do for Families

Take a joy ride through history on the century-old Jane's Carousel Photo by Matt Nighswander

The Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood of Dumbo is a draw for both visiting tourists and locals eager to enjoy the water and city views, family-friendly restaurants, shops, and plenty of outdoor activities. Located between the famous Manhattan Bridge (which lends its moniker: Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and Brooklyn Bridge, this neighborhood offers stunning views of lower Manhattan, cobblestone streets, and experiences varied enough to keep the whole family entertained.

The neighborhood's crown jewel is Brooklyn Bridge Park—a stunning waterfront park that boasts lovely walking paths, playgrounds, roller skating, kayaking, and impressive sports facilities—but this eclectic area also offers an abundance of delicious eats, scores of beautiful shops, indoor play spaces for kids, and so much more. Read on for 50 things to see, do, and explore with kids in Dumbo.

19 Free and Cheap Online Summer Camps in 2021

Find an online summer camp to fill an hour (or several) of your kid's time.

Need to fill a week or two of summer camp this summer? Or, not ready to send the kids back to a full-time day camp? Good news: There are a number of FREE online summer camps from top-notch organizations and nonprofits that still have open weeks!

These virtual camps from the likes of 4-H Club and UNICEF are open to kids all over the US, from Boston to Los Angeles, so kids in cities thousands of miles apart have a chance to meet and connect with kids they might otherwise never have known. We love that most won't cost you a cent and might just help fill a few hours of your kid's day with some really fun summer activities. Find more virtual summer programs in our Camp Directory, or check out our local Summer Camp Guides for in-person options.

Long Island Children’s Museum Reopens Seasonal Sensory Garden and Popular Permanent Exhibits

Seasonal outdoor sensory garden, Our Backyard, has returned to LICM for the summer.

Yes, Long Island Children's Museum is open—inviting families to explore 13 interactive exhibits, weekly early childhood classes, and even a newly reopened seasonal garden!

Located on Nassau County's well-loved Museum Row, this popular destination makes the perfect day trip for families across Long Island and New York City. Enhanced safety measures—like timed entry and continued mask wearing—make the Museum a safe option where kids of all ages can explore, play, and learn. Plus, a thoughtfully designed sensory room, monthly "Friendly Hours" with altered lighting and sound, and extensive resources for visitors with disabilities mean everyone is able to enjoy the Museum.

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