Sometimes we get so busy with our regular routines that we forget to do one of the most important and healthy things with our children: get outside! Spending time in the sunshine and among the trees is so healthy for kids (and parents) physically, mentally, and even emotionally. With nicer weather upon us, everyone’s itching to escape the house, and if you live anywhere near the Greater Hartford area, you're downright spoiled with outdoor options to choose from. Here are a dozen of our favorite parks and playgrounds to spend time as a family. 

Hosting a swimming birthday party is a splashy way to celebrate your child's next big day. Kids can hit the water for an instant taste of summer no matter the season.

While FREE swimming spots abound in the summer months, the rules make it a little difficult to party there. So, expect to fork over some dough if you want to throw a good, old-fashioned pool party at one of these swimming spots in NYC that offer birthday party packages to the general public—most are offered year round.

Playground season is finally upon us, and what better way to celebrate warmer weather than to hit a new-to-you destination playground? The promise of a trek to the Hester Street Playground in the heart of always-packed Chinatown was enough to get even my weary teen off the couch during spring break...especially with the promise of delicious post-playground eats in Chinatown.

Located on the southern end of the 7.85-acre Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Hester Street Playground is a hotbed of activity no matter the season. Bookended by a soccer field and track on one side, and basketball courts on the other, there's fun for all ages here.

Can you thrive for a day in 1518? That’s a question Siri cannot answer at Wigwam Escape, since cell phones (and watches) are not allowed inside this historically-themed escape room recently opened at The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center. The popularity of escape rooms has surged in recent years, and they're especially appealing to kids who love the thrill of solving problems and puzzles on a tight deadline. Wigwam Escape is no exception, except that the unique Native American historical setting adds a truly meaningful educational and family-bonding opportunity to the adrenaline rush. 

While the Upper East Side's Museum Mile gets lots of love and tons of fanfare, there are other cool culture spots to visit in this diverse city. One of our favorite outer-borough destinations just might be Long Island City, which has solidified itself as the queen of Queens' vibrant art scene. In addition to a slew of funky galleries, the 'hood has a trio of art-centric museums worth visiting: MoMA PS1, the Noguchi Museum, and the outdoor oasis, Socrates Sculpture Park.

Read on for our review of these artsy spots, plus the kid-friendly programming that makes them worth visiting, whether you're a local or not.

The weekends of May are packed with activity; there's Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and that one weekend without a holiday. There are parades, festivals, shows, and people eating bugs. With so much going on, it's easy to miss something. To help you keep track, here's a list of the biggest, most once-a-year-ish events happening this month. We'll keep adding to our Event Calendar daily, and it's a good idea to make sure our weekly recommendations arrive in your inbox, but we figured you'd appreciate some advance notice on these May favorites.

May is beloved in NYC for the return of warm weather, outdoor dining options, and family-centric holidays such as Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekend. And get ready for the unofficial start of summer as Governors Island, city beaches, water parks, and amusement parks all open for the season this month.

There are fairs and festivals everywhere you turn in May, and our GoList includes the top things to do with kids in New York City this month, many of which are FREE. Enjoy no-cost annual favorites such as the New York Dance Parade, Bike Expo New York, and the Urban Wildlife Festival. There's a ton of exciting new spring theater for families, too.

For more activity ideas, see our Event Calendar and our Spring Fun Guide. It's also a great month to check out our NYC Parks & Playgrounds Guide.

May is a lively month in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, with events honoring Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and spring. Below we've rounded up our top picks; limiting them was no easy task!

Numerous annual traditions return, such as the UFO Fair, the zaniest of the many spring festivals we’ve rounded up, while the two cupcake festivals are the most caloric.

Of course, the main event of May is Mother’s Day, and we’ve rounded up both where to go for Mother’s Day brunch and 35 alternatives (or supplements) to the family meal. And be sure to indulge in assorted Star Wars–themed activities at any of the many events called May the 4th Be With You (get it?).

If you’re looking for the return of Valley Con, you’ll have to wait till July. In the meantime, head to Rye Playland or the Science Barge, both of which open for the season on Saturday, May 11, or soak up the sun at a Westchester County beach. 

Read on for the rest of our lowdown. If you're looking for even more options (and trust us, there are many), check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our free newsletters to stay in the know!