The Lightning Thief Musical: A Free & Funny Family Show (Even if You Don't Know the Book)

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Seeing Theatreworks USA's annual FREE show at the Lucille Lortel Theatre is as much of a rite of summer for me and my kid as hitting the beach, the pool and the playground. But I was a little worried when I heard that this year, the family theater company was going to musicalize The Lightning Thief, the first novel in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. My kid doesn't really get into fantasy stories (save for superheroes) so she's never read the books about the 12-year-old demigod and his pals. I figured this show just wouldn't be her kind of thing. Boy was I wrong.

The hour-long Lightning Thief is a fast, funny and pop-tune filled introduction to his adventures as he takes on mythic Greek characters like Medusa, Hades and the Furies while dealing with modern-day challenges like dyslexia, ADD and fitting in with his peers. It's grounded enough in the real world that you don't need to be fantasy aficionado to enjoy it. Aimed at children ages 7 and up, the show also seems to be a hit with fans of the book—as we left the theater we heard readers of various ages (kids and grown-ups) saying how well it captured the spirit of the series.

Bounce! Kids' Parties: Birthdays and More at Bounce! Trampoline Sports

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on

Whether it’s a child’s birthday party or graduation celebration, parents want their event to be memorable for everyone. Throwing a party at an indoor bounce place has a ton of advantages; not only do kids love to jump and play (and parents love that their little ones get to blow off some steam), but there's no need to worry about bad weather, setting up, or cleaning up. While there's no shortage of indoor party places in Westchester, Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Valley Cottage sets the bar high with an array of fun and unique activities for all ages.

Family Daycation at the Staten Island Zoo: Carousel, Petting Zoo, and More Fun

Submitted by Nataki Hewling on

As a Staten Island mom with a toddler and a tween, I've been to the Staten Island Zoo many, many, many times. I don't really need an excuse to visit this eight-acre animal oasis filled more than 350 different species, including lots of reptiles, two rare Amur leopards and the weather-prognosticating/mayor-biting groundhog Staten Island Chuck. But now my family has a great new reason to go: The zoo's recently opened Conservation Carousel featuring two-dozen handcrafted wooden creatures to ride.

The Staten Island Zoo is my family's favorite place to see animals in NYC because it's intimate (we love the Bronx Zoo, too, but it can be overwhelming), rarely crowded and secluded, so you feel like you're going on an out-of-the-city adventure. But since it's an independent institution (it's not affiliated with New York City's five other Wildlife Conservation Society zoos) and located in the so-called "forgotten borough," it's often overlooked by families who don't live on the isle. I'm here to tell you, it's worth the trek. It's near public transportation (there's also a free parking lot) and has lots of special attractions for kids, including a petting zoo and the new carousel, so it's a great daycation destination—then you can stick around and check out some of the other cool things to do with kids on Staten Island.

Kids Eat Free in Central New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants throughout Central New Jersey offer free kid meal promotions nearly every night of the week. You’ll never cook again. Dining out is a fun way to spend time with the family, but the bills can eat into your budget. Visit your favorite establishment on a kids-eat-free night, and you won’t have to worry overspending on kids’ entrees, especially the ones that are barely touched. Check out some of these Central New Jersey restaurants that feature free kid meals on certain nights of the week.

Complimentary meals are with the purchase of an adult meal, unless otherwise noted.

6 Unexpected Ways to Play as a Family--Even While Doing Chores

Roberta B's picture Submitted by Roberta B on

If you were raising your kids in, say, Utah—or any other place that doesn't have a Mommy Poppins daily calendar to point you in fun directions—you'd have to work a lot harder to keep your summer days playful. Our SUMMER OF PLAY partner, KaBOOM!, works with community leaders around the country to create more spaces and ways for kids to enjoy balanced and active play. Mother of three and registered nurse, Cyndalynn Tilley, is one of these community leaders in Woods Cross, Utah, and she's shared some of her favorite ideas for finding opportunities to play while doing ordinary daily activities. Backyard games are great when you have the time and space, but what about when you have to bring kids along to do chores like shopping and laundry? Even then grown-ups can help kids get the play they need to thrive.

What are your secrets for finding play in mundane situations? Share pics of your inventive playtime ideas on social media for a chance to win great prizes in our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE. Then for even more inspiration, check out our SUMMER OF PLAY photo gallery on Facebook to see what others are posting.

Family Friendly Fishing in Greater Hartford

Erin McNamee's picture Submitted by Erin McNamee on

Fishing is an inexpensive, family-friendly activity that is fun to try with kids. Not long after they learn to toddle they can practice holding a pole; as kids get older and their attention span increases, they can learn to set up the rod and reel, hook a worm, and wait for a catch. Some of the best fishing spots for kids are also swimming holes in  state or local Hartford parks, so you can pack your rods, towels, and a picnic lunch for a fun summer day. 

2014-15 Academic Year Calendars for LA Area Schools

Submitted by Toby B on

The first day of school has been creeping farther and farther back in recent years, cutting deeper and deeper into summer. For many schools, August is part of the school year now, while other districts still cling to the time-honored "never before Labor Day" approach. All of this can make summer camp complicated to maneuver for some families, while others are knee-deep in homework.

From Baldwin Park's August 11 start date to Torrance’s September 4, don't just assume you know when school starts based on last year! Check our list of start and finish dates for the 2014-2015 school year (and all days off in between) in and around LA County...

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