The East Village is a fantastic neighborhood for connecting with urban nature. In addition to the beloved Tompkins Square Park, which features two playgrounds and a mini pool as well as wildflower-filled grassy lawns, there are 39 community gardens, including some of the oldest in all of New York City.

These locally-founded and run green spaces are more than just a place to grow plants or vegetables. They function as outdoor community centers and frequently host art installations and family performances. That all seems even more impressive when you realize that most of these gardens were once piles of rubble before neighbors partnered with wonderful nonprofits like Green Guerrillas and Green Thumb NYC to bring these oases to life.

Our month-long focus on the East Village continues with a look at seven particularly family-friendly community gardens, as well as three favorite neighborhood parks. Warning: Before you head to a community garden, check its official website for opening hours as those vary wildly—remember they're all volunteer operated!

We mentioned Grand Prix New York in our post on things to do on Father's Day. My husband and son love the race track and although my girls aren't old enough to race yet, they have fun at the arcade and bouncy castle. They also love cheering their father and brother on at every turn. Now there's even more to enjoy with the grand opening of Arts Garage, Grand Prix's new visual arts studio for all ages. Arts Garage offers guided activities that include pottery painting, mosaic tiling, beading, even cupcake design in a bright, cheerful and beautifully stocked studio.

There's a brand-new romping spot in northern Central Park. After 10 months of rebuilding from the ground up, the East 110th Street Playground across from the Dana Discovery Center has reopened and it's a beauty. Aimed at school-age children and organized into four distinct circular sections, the revamped play space has a great water feature, three tire swings, six big-kid strap swings as well as a swing for children with special needs, and a wooden play structure with lots of things to climb, swing across and conquer.

Since this is my family's local playground, my eight-year-old was very concerned about how the renovation would turn out. She really loved the old equipment, even though it dated back to the '80s and was seriously broken-down. I'm happy to report that ever since the new playground opened last Thursday, she's insisted on visiting every single day.

Due to a major pirate obsession, my son's third birthday theme this year was...you guessed it, pirates! I immediately began trolling Pinterest boards for ideas, researching and feeling overwhelmed with planning a toddler pirate extravaganza. There's so much information out there! In an effort to help my fellow NJ moms (who have like-minded mateys), I decided to put together a list of what I thought was most helpful for planning your very own pirate party in NJ!

What is The Big E? I get asked this question many times when I tell people I'm heading there. No, it is not the thing you should be going to the gym for each morning.

What started in 1916 as an agricultural show, is now the largest fair in the northeast. Located about a half-hour drive from Hartford, The Big E is in West Springfield, Massachusetts just over the Connecticut border. This enormous festival begins the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days. 

This year it ends September 29, so plan a day and hit the road! But if you are a Big E virgin, here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip.