Connecticut parents on the edge about what school is going to look like in the fall got some more information on Monday, June 29, when the state released 50 pages of guidance for the 2020-2021 school year. The guidance covered remote learning options, hygiene, mask wearing, social distancing, transportation, and more.

Read on for 16 takeaways about what to expect for our kids come September, and don't forget to stock up on kid-approved face masks—it's the new school shopping! And while vacation is still in full swing, keep kids busy with these safe summer activity ideas, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.

Summer 2020 is turning out to be a retro summer, and taking kids fishing fits right in with going to a drive-in movie, playing in the back yard, and pitching a tent for the weekend. Whether you catch and release or fry it up over a fire, there is something timelessly relaxing about fishing—especially as a way for kids and parents or grandparents to spend quality time together. The fishing lakes below are great spots to learn to fish within easy reach from Los Angeles, and all are open so far this season.

Wondering if in-home child care is right for your family and how to find a home daycare, preschool, or childcare program near you?

On June 8, Massachusetts officially entered Phase 2 of Governor Charlie Baker's reopening plan, which means child care facilities around Boston are opening their doors. As families emerge from months of quarantine and some parents and caregivers even start heading back to work in real live offices, many are resuming or starting their search for quality care for their kiddos. Of course, child care will look pretty different in response to COVID-19, so parents are considering a number of new factors when deciding what type is the best fit—from preschools to corporate childcare centers to home daycares.

If you're not familiar with licensed Family Child Care (FCC, or in-home daycare), read on to learn more about the many pros of these small-scale individualized home-based options. Then find out how NeighborSchools—the largest network of home daycares in Massachusetts—is using their Match Me tool to connect families with the right FCC for them.

New Jersey plans to return K-12 students to physical classrooms as much as possible this September. Governor Phil Murphy, along with Education Commissioner Dr. Lamont Repollet, released a 104-page set of guidelines Friday, June 26, aimed at reopening New Jersey schools for 2020-20201 academic year.

“Absent a shift in public health data, school buildings will open in some capacity for in-person instruction and operations in September,” said Repollet. “The reopenings of our schools will include necessary limitations to protect the health of our students and staff.”

The guidelines insist on plenty of social distancing for schools, but also the option for a hybrid education model that would combine in-person instruction with remote-learning, or possibly students attending school on alternating days or weeks. All districts, however, must create a school reopening plan that includes some in-person instruction, the governor and commissioner said Friday. “There’s no one size fits all approach,” noted Murphy.

Since kids closed the laptop on an online spring, the question on all parents' minds has been: What is school going to look like in the fall? On Thursday, we got a clearer picture as Governor Baker and Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Riley released what they're calling "Initial Reopening Guidance" for Massachusetts schools. They expressed optimism that schools can return to in-person learning—hooray!—albeit with some guidelines to help keep kids and teachers safe. Here are five important things we can expect, from desk spacing to mask wearing to lunch protocols.

See what else has reopened in Massachusetts, as well as kid-approved face masks and safe summer activities at Mommy Poppins.

Pick your playlist, fill the cooler, and load up the trunk, it’s time to hit the road for an epic road trip this summer. Nothing says “family vacation” quite like piling everyone in the car and heading off for a classic family road trip. Quirky roadside attractions, beautiful scenery, and a ton of togetherness is the stuff that makes for enduring childhood memories. 

Travel from Maine all the way to the Carolinas with these 15 East Coast road trip ideas that will keep your family cruising the coastline all summer long.

Don't forget to come prepped with these road trip games for kids and a device loaded up with podcasts.

One of the most anticipated reopenings during Phase 2 of NY Forward is the return of sit-down restaurant service, and New York City's bustling dining scene is ready to welcome visitors back. The catch, though, is that all in-person dining must occur alfresco. So, if you're itching for a break from the kitchen, we've rounded up 20 outdoor restaurants throughout the five boroughs who are ready to serve you—and your kids—your next meal.

We've combed our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide to locate our favorite outdoor restaurants that have reopened, and added a few fresh picks to this list. But, keep in mind, even spots that don't usually serve meals outdoors have been allowed to add outdoor seating as NYC reopens, so be sure to check with your favorite local haunt, whether they've traditionally served meals on the sidewalk or not. They just might be ready to welcome you back, too.

When you live in Connecticut and within a short drive of great beaches, state parks, and amusement parks, every summer weekend is an opportunity for a quick, easy family day trip with kids. Here, we've collected ideas for outings to attractions that are open or operating in 2020, usually with some extra restrictions or precautions (in line with Connecticut's reopening plan) to keep visitors safe.

Click through each link for more information and inspiration—whether you are looking to explore Connecticut's natural beauty, historic treasures, or thrills and chills (courtesy of a water slide or roller coaster). Remember to bring your trusty face masks and hand sanitizer along with your sense of adventure. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.