Grab your house robes and get in line because Harry Potter New York, the 21,000-square-foot store dedicated to all things Wizarding World is ready to make its magical debut. Opening to the public on Thursday, June 3, we got a sneak peek behind the doors at all the fun that awaits in one of our most anticipated openings of the year.

For a camping, beach-loving, amusement or waterpark-going family like mine, CaliCase is the summer staple we never knew we needed until we tried it for ourselves. Yes, the world-famous, wearable, waterproof phone pouches truly live up to the hype, enabling you to go handsfree while keeping one of your most prized possessions safe—but also easily available for fly fishing photos and splash pad selfies.

Here are the reasons why my family will be stashing these little lifesavers in our beach bags and backpacks all summer long. And don't miss our exclusive discount for Mommy Poppins readers!

After months of being stuck at home—or at least sticking to your home neighborhood—summer calls for adventure. It's easy to forget New Yorkers have miles of waterfront within city limits, so you don't have to go far to enjoy a cool breeze and beautiful water views. Even better, spend an afternoon at one of these 10 waterfront playgrounds and feel like you’ve escaped the city without ever leaving the five boroughs.

Find more fun places to play this season in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Who says you need an ocean to go to the beach? Chicago families can get their swimming fix by taking advantage of the “Midwest Coast” of Lake Michigan, or the many smaller lakes (and even repurposed former quarries) dotted throughout the suburbs. The best Chicago beaches for families include easy parking, bathrooms with changing facilities, concession stands for little snackers, and maybe a playground for when kids get tired of the water. Pack up your favorite beach gear and hit one of the best family-friendly beaches in Chicago and the suburbs.

When my wife and I started to build up our daughter’s library, we felt it was important for her to see our reality reflected in books. We looked for LGBTQ children’s books with fun, positive messages about diversity. We wanted to show her that all families are unique, while at the same time they share common values and traditions. The 25 books listed here are some of our family’s very favorites.

Check out our other great book recommendations for Black History Month and 21 books to teach your kids about racism.

If your tween or teen has the energy to burn, we have found the place for them: Area 53 NYC is home to a ton of action-packed adventures spread over three locations in two boroughs. Area 53 NYC offers laser tag, paintball, water sports, and even an indoor adventure park with a dozen games and activities. Read on for our review of these thrilling new attractions—with two locations in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx—as well as our parent-tested, know before you go intel, pulled together after visiting with three kids ages 4-13.

Whether it’s the smell of the air, the crashing of the waves, or the chilly nights and warm days, beach camping on the West Coast has a definite allure. Kids love the novelty of camping by the beach, and many of the best locations are kid friendly. From the California/Mexico border to the Olympia Peninsula in Washington, the West Coast has a plethora of seaside campgrounds where families love to pitch a tent or park an RV. Here are some of the best beach campsites California, Oregon, and Washington have to offer.

When you—and your kids—are tired of the local playground, it's time to branch out and try something new. We've found 10 destination playgrounds in South Jersey with fun features like a refreshing sprayground, all-inclusive equipment, trains, challenging climbing structures, and even a dragon maze. Read on for all the details and find more places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.