Eating outdoors on a balmy day can be a wonderful family dining experience—unless you're stuck inhaling bus fumes at a tiny sidewalk table so crammed with dishes that you're lucky if a passerby doesn't inadvertently knock over your drink with a swinging handbag.

Luckily there are a bunch of kid-friendly restaurants in New York City with wonderful alfresco dining areas that aren't right by the curb. From lush backyard gardens to rooftop gems with panoramic views to eateries located smack-dab in the middle of parks, here are 20 of our favorite NYC spots for outdoor dining in the summer.

Father's Day is the main event on all of our sites this week. Out in New Jersey, you can take dad hiking or for a swanky wine tasting; on Long Island activities include skydiving and sports; and in Connecticut there's a cool car show. Plus our Boston site shared four easy recipes kids can prepare for the man of the house.

Here in NYC, there are plenty of fun family events to choose from this weekend like National GeekDad Day at the New York Hall of Science and a Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. My family and I visited the isle for the first time this season just last weekend, and this year's sculpture garden and mini-golf course are really exceptional. Now located on the grassy Parade Grounds, the artwork is truly eye-popping, like a life-size Statue of Liberty head sticking out of the ground and a giant TV you can climb inside. Plus there's a giant treehouse with a slide, biking, strolling, picnicking and amazing views. Seems like the perfect Father's Day staycation.

Looking ahead to summer, which officially arrives next week, we rounded up the best free outdoor movie series for families and posted about 4th of July fireworks cruises. And if you're planning any big vacations over break, be sure to check our family travel site for a slew of awesome suggestions.

Here's what else we shared this week on our NYC site.

This weekend is for the daddies, and there is lots to do with dear old Dad around town. There are all kinds of Father's Day celebrations, events, and activities (check out our Father's Day Activities guide for more things to do to celebrate Dad); a strawberry festival, a Baby Barnyard Animals Festival, and Port Jeff's Green Fest; a Princess Tea Party and a Pirate Festival; an ice cream social at the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery; and a concert on the lawn at the Planting Fields Arboretum. As as always, see our events calendar for even more fun activities happening on the Island this weekend.

Summer is upon us, and the farmers’ markets in Boston and surrounding communities are truly in full swing. There’s something about the markets opening in June: They have a festival-like atmosphere, with friends catching up, colorful foods and plants everywhere, music, activities for kids, and delightful treats fit for any kind of summer celebration.

Read on for the 411 on five of our favorite markets, plus a secret or two to make your family’s market shopping experience even more fun.