One of the things I'm truly loving about living in the 'burbs now that the weather's nice is the opportunity to be close to nature. The South Shore is known for its beautiful forests and marshes, and is home to a wide variety of birds, seals, and other forest friends. Mass Audubon's South Shore Sanctuaries—North River, Daniel Webster, and North Hill Marsh—are ideal places to discover the area's natural treasures.

North River serves as the indoor base for the three sanctuaries, with a nature center featuring a discovery room for kids, turtles, fish, an archeological station, bathrooms, and a gift shop. As we drove up the winding road to the North River Sanctuary's main building, we felt transported into a different world. Everything was so vibrant and bright, lush and crisp. Once inside, my son had a blast playing with the toys and exploring, while I learned about the variety of programs and things to do at the three sanctuaries.

Champing at the bit to get in or out on the water? There are many ways to do that in Connecticut. Fairfield County is home to lots of great beaches and swim clubs, and we've rounded up places to sail, row and stand-up paddleboard in the past. But today we're making one big long list of all the spots where you can boat, row, kayak, swim, sail and more. So print it out and stash it in your car for those days when getting wet is the only thing that will do!

One summer movie kids can’t wait to see is Minions, the prequel to the highly successful Despicable Me series. Most kids have to wait until the film's release on July 10, but a few lucky Mommy Poppins readers can catch a sneak peek of these mischievous little fellows back in action at an advance screening hosted by our sponsor, Universal Studios, on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 11am at AMC’s Century City Theater. Want to surprise your kids with some free tickets?

With the year winding down for NYC public schools, we've got a week full of cool kids' culture, amazing eats and the start of one of our favorite seasonal series: SummerStage Family Days.

Heading to the Hamptons this summer? Our LI site has a roundup of the best community BBQs for families on the East End. Other tri-state-area fun includes day trips to nearby Connecticut for free summer concerts, many of which are at the beach or park, so pack a picnic and get ready for some sun and live entertainment! Also good to put on your radar: the Clearwater Festival (aka the Great Hudson River Revival) takes place in Westchester next weekend and promises a great time for the whole family with music, dancing, water activities and environmental education.

Our Travel site has details on Pittsburgh's popular Kennywood Amusement Park and the top things to do with kids in Atlanta.

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

You know it and I know it: for all intents and purposes, the summer has arrived. All but a few outlier districts have stuck a fork in it and declared this school year done––which means a whole lot more Minecraft bonding time ahead for you and your kids.

Panicking much? No worries, we're here to help. We can point you toward awesome camps (that even still have openings!), majorly cheap or free movies and concerts, and the most supercute fun events that will have your kids thanking you for the rest of the summer. (A mom can dream, can't she?)

And we pause now for a public service announcement: next Sunday is Father's Day. Given that most schools are no longer going to be in session (see citation above), it's on you to see to it that Daddy has something waiting for him under the Father's Day tree (no citation available). When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a lovingly constructed craft. Or anything that is free.

We now return to our "Is it summer already" favorite picks for this weekend...

We all know Mom loves brunch, but does Dad? Well, we've got a hunch Dad will love brunch in the Valley with kids if you book a table at the 94th Aero Squadron this Fathers' Day. The unusual restaurant, set smack dab on the runway of the Van Nuys Airport, offers panoramic views of planes landing and taking off. You could even create a whole aviation-themed Fathers' Day, by continuing on to Santa Monica's Museum of Flying after brunch!

Our nation celebrates Flag Day this Sunday. Since Philadelphia is the birthplace of our flag and its creator, Betsy Ross, it's fitting that we highlight Old Glory in our weekend post.

Throughout Historic Philadelphia, families can learn about the history of our country's flag. Festivities begin at the Betsy Ross House, where a 13-star flag is raised. Afterward, watch the Grand Parade as it marches from the National Constitution Center to Independence Hall, learn flag etiquette and enjoy a performance by the Spirit of Liberty Sky Diving Team.

In addition to flag fun, families can enjoy the outdoors in many ways this weekend. Have a Victorian-style picnic at Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, search for Awesome Amphibians at Upper Perkiomen Valley Park, examine trees in The Millennium Grove at Norristown Farm Park or watch the Brandywine Polo Club play a match.

Be sure to check out our Event Calendar and our June GoList for even more options. However you choose to spend your weekend, make it a memorable one!

The little (and big!) comic and sci-fi fans in your house won't want to miss the Long Island Comic Con in Garden City this weekend. For the aspiring engineers in your life, take a train ride through the woods of Brookhaven with Long Island Live Steamers. Families can also celebrate our 50 stars and stripes at Port Jefferson's Maritime Explorium by decorating flags. Also great for creative kids: the first annual Long Island Maker Festival on Sunday.

Remember, you can find even more options in our jam-packed Event Calendar. To receive our posts in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletters.