Adaptive Water Sports for NYC Kids with Special Needs: Swimming, Boating, Water-skiing & More

For NYC kids, one of the greatest pleasures of summer is getting all wet in pools, at beaches and on boats. However, for children with special needs like my son, water play can spark a variety of anxieties and sensory issues.

Happily, the tri-state area is home to a number of adaptive water sports programs specifically tailored to children with autism and other special needs. So they can learn to swim, sail and even water-ski in a supportive and understanding environment. Bonus: Many of these special needs water play programs are FREE or inexpensive.

This Week's Picks: An iconic puppet, Despicable Me 2 and Circus Vargas June 16-20

Spend the week doing free stuff and end it with a splurge at the circus. There are lots of cool and interesting things to do in and around LA that don't cost a dime. Local libraries are a great place to start. Many of them host special guest entertainers and educators. While we are highlighting a few things here, don’t forget to check out Mommy Poppins event calendar for a more comprehensive listing of things (free or not) to do this week.

The New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide

Whether you dread the unstructured days of summer or welcome them, every parent can use a little help in planning, right? That's where the Mommy Poppins New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide comes in. Be it the best beaches, the bluest blueberry festivals, or what's incredibly fun and absolutely free, we're here to give you the skinny. And we're adding new stuff every day, so check back often to see what's new in the NJ Kids Summer Activities Guide. Have an awesome summer!

Save Big on Summer Camps, Family Shows, Classes, Personal Training & a Great Central Park Membership Deal

Summer is right around the corner, which means it's your last chance to sign the kids up for enriching seasonal programs. Our June deals post features discounts on all kinds of cool camps where kids can enjoy performing theater, playing chess, learning languages and even sailing on the Hudson. Plus, snag a great Central Park Conservancy Family Membership deal, and save on an all-kid production of Seussical, preschooler classes and even personal training sessions for mom and dad. If you see a bargain you can't pass up, act fast: Many of these deals will expire before the month is out.

10 Great Parks for Birthday Parties in the Valley

Every kid loves a birthday party! And we have a whole lot of information on different theme parties, party guides, and even party crafts. Sometimes, though, you just need a great park for the perfect party—a playground, grassy areas, picnic tables, a grill, and maybe a bounce house or piñata. These 10 Valley parks are all great for kids' birthday parties, all have bathrooms available (check the hours), and all are a bit different. Do you want shade? A fenced playground? Water features? Lots of grass? Plenty of table space? There is something here for you.

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