Above ground pools are the ultimate game-changer, turning your backyard into a cool oasis of fun without draining your wallet.

Summer is here, and that means it's time for backyard barbecues, lazy afternoons, and making a splash right at home! When the mercury soars and braving the summer traffic to the lake or beach feels more like a chore than a retreat, stepping outside can be downright unbearable. Well, we have the perfect solution. 

From epic water battles to serene evening floats, these budget-friendly pools are all about maximizing the good times with minimal hassle. So, grab your sunscreen and favorite floaty—let’s dive into the wonderful world of (affordable) above ground pools!

If you need some pool toys, we've also rounded up our favorite Crazy Awesome Pool Floats for Kids and Babies This Summer and everyone needs more Eco-Friendly Sunscreen for Kids, which you'll find in the
Mommy Poppins Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

If you're looking for animal adventures in the Big Apple might we suggest the Staten Island Zoo—one of NYC's true hidden gems? While there are so many wonderful zoos in NYC, the compact Staten Island Zoo is seemingly overlooked. It has a perfect layout for small children and is packed with interesting species for kids of all ages to explore, plus it offers fun, family-friendly programming. Its admission fees are reasonable, so consider this your sign to head across the Verrazzano or take a FREE ferry ride to this under-the-radar NYC animal haven. 

You don’t need to be a Dungeon Master to laugh your head off at the new fully-immersive Dungeons & Dragons inspired live show in Times Square.

Inspired by the beloved fantasy role-playing tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is a hilarious and highly-interactive new production that ticks all of the boxes for a super entertaining, one-of-a-kind NYC outing fit for gamers and non-gamers alike.

With my very excited 9-year-old son and his best friend in tow, I recently hopped on the subway to 42nd Street to check out the much-buzzed-about comedy that opened for previews in April of this year. Read on for my review, plus learn everything you need to know about The Twenty-Sided Tavern–including how to enter the digital lottery for discounted tickets.

Explore the top spots in and around Boston for celebrating a Quinceanera!

Find the right spot for a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah in CT!

Plan a beautiful party for your birthday girl.

Stone Mountain, Georgia's most notable attraction is Stone Mountain Park, but did you know there's even more awesome things to do in this charming part of Atlanta?! I decided to take my family for a fun summer staycation to the city of Stone Mountain -- we wanted to check out Stone Mountain Park's new drone and light show and explore the entire area over the course of a few days. (Even our pup made the trip!) Enjoy this guide of great things to do in Stone Mountain, GA!

To get even more ideas about weekend trips to take in the area, check out our Atlanta Weekend Getaway Guide & Day Trips for Families!

Scalloping in Florida is a family-friendly summer activity that provides a unique opportunity to explore the Sunshine State's beautiful coastal waters. This seaside adventure is perfect for kids, offering both educational and recreational experiences. Here's everything you need to know to plan a family scalloping trip!