It’s Back-to-School time! (I know, I’m just as bummed as the kids). A new year, a new teacher and a new curriculum sometimes results in the same academic struggles. Whether your child needs extra help in Reading, Math or Science, investing in a tutor can’t hurt. Tutors help inspire and encourage students, giving them that extra push they need to become head of the class—or close to it. Here is a comprehensive list of NJ-based tutoring centers ready to help guide your child.

The Hills are alive on Governors Island. July 19 marked opening day for the long-awaited addition of new green spaces and playground fun on this seasonal city play space. Judging by the throngs of people dashing up the granite scramble as soon as the ribbon was cut, we weren't the only ones excited to check out this new section of the island.

Made up of four distinct hills, the 10 acres of parkland include 70-foot-high Outlook Hill, 25-foot-high Grassy Hill, twin 40-foot peaks together dubbed Discovery Hill, and Slide Hill, which is undoubtedly the most family-friendly of them all, packed with four slides.

When folks talk about summers back in the day, they say things like, “We just went outside and played.” OK, but what did we play—anyone remember? We’ve got hundreds of ideas for playtime with your kids, but we especially love these throw-back games that used to keep us entertained until the streetlights came on. So Red Rover those neighborhood kids right on over and teach the whole crew a few of the games that the Brady brood played in their AstroTurf backyard!

Whether your child is in pre-school or high school, the final works from her teacher were probably instructions about making sure to read over the summer in order to avoid the dreaded summer slide. However, with the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved The BFG to the long awaited publication of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this summer books are cool again, and it's a fantastic time to get kids excited reading.  Nearly every public library in Fairfield County has some kind of summer reading program in which children can win prizes. Some of these programs require proof of residency in the form of a library card, but there are a wide variety of programs of available for the community at large in libraries and other locations. We've rounded up other educational programs happening over the summer to fight that summer slide but here are some of our favorites to help keep the kids reading:

Summer vacation ain't what it used to be. The majority of school districts now opt for an August start date, with only a few stragglers sticking with the old-school, post-Labor Day start. Don't just assume you know when school starts based on last year, as there's always a bit of shuffling of the schedule. This year Glendale leads the back-to-school race with a party-pooper start date of August 8, while last out the gate is Torrance, at a more traditional September 8.

Wondering where your district fits in, and how much time you have left for these 50 Free Things To Do in Summer? Read below for our list of start and finish dates for the 2016-2017 school year in and around LA County! And if what you read makes you wonder about what other school options are available to you, maybe our school guide can help.

Times Square and its vicinity might seem like the last place to wile away a few relaxing hours with a child. But we have an updated jewel to add to our list of wonderful NYC playgrounds and parks. Ramon Aponte Park in Midtown has recently undergone a transformation, and chances are you won’t recognize the newly renovated, charming neighborhood playground and splash pad.

One of my favorite things to do with the kids over the summer is to take some day trips to the East End to enjoy everything it has to offer for families. From pick your own farms to frolicking on the area’s beautiful beaches, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied while school is out of session.

A few weeks ago, we got the chance to explore one of the North Fork’s gems: The Little Red Barn in Jamesport. Ten years ago, Kate Nickles and her husband bought 40 acres of land, including the barn that was the original home to the carousel that is now in Greenport. In addition to building their dream home on the property, Kate, a native to the area and a lifelong horse rider, decided to open The Little Red Barn to pass down her knowledge and love for horses and other farm animals to local and visiting children.

If you've ever considered visiting Manhattan's highest point, you've probably contemplated a trip to One World Observatory, but if you want to keep your feet on the ground and still find a spectacular view, your best bet is to head to the southern edge of Washington Heights where you'll find Manhattan's oldest house, Morris-Jumel Mansion, perched atop Sugar Hill.

Built in 1765 as a summer villa for his family by British Colonel Roger Morris and his wife, Mary Philipse, the mansion stands today as a museum and member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. A visit brings sweeping views of the city, a glimpse into New York City's rich history, and puts you just a wee-bit closer to the Hamilton phenomenon.