Family fun is always plentiful at the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City. Summer's arrival brings with it an interactive Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit, plus some seasonal outdoor fun, making this a perfect time to revisit the local kiddie culture spot, one of our favorite Long Island museums for kids.

Read on for all the details and start planning your next LICM visit. After all, this Long Island gem checks in at No. 31 on our epic summer bucket list.

Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, has made it her mission to push awareness for kids to be outdoors—and for good reason. Studies have shown that children benefit physically, mentally, and socially from being outside. Reducing screen time helps boost kids' creativity, stimulates their attention spans, and allows them to develop important life skills, like playing cooperatively with others.

I made it my family's resolution to do the "1000 hours outside in 365 days" challenge. Once I took indoor activities outside and opened the garage more often, my family and I became hooked. It's been a game changer, reducing stress and allowing us to hang out together and try new things. Constantly being outside has brought a lot of joy, smiles, and drive to play versus asking for screens.

Spending 1000 hours outside may seem like a big goal, but it's very manageable. Read on for 1000 ways to spend 1000 hours outside as a family. Then get more ideas in our Guide to Outdoor Activities for Kids.

Wild animals, far-off lands, Instagram-friendly backdrops, and one seriously large ball pit come together this summer at Balloon Story, the inflatable wonderland that's transformed the Park Avenue Armory into an immersive experience that's a perfect diversion from summer's soaring temperatures.

Read on for a sneak peek at this pop-up experience that's only in town through August and find more kid-friendly immersive museums and pop-up experiences in NYC in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

Above ground pools are the ultimate game-changer, turning your backyard into a cool oasis of fun without draining your wallet.

Summer is here, and that means it's time for backyard barbecues, lazy afternoons, and making a splash right at home! When the mercury soars and braving the summer traffic to the lake or beach feels more like a chore than a retreat, stepping outside can be downright unbearable. Well, we have the perfect solution. 

From epic water battles to serene evening floats, these budget-friendly pools are all about maximizing the good times with minimal hassle. So, grab your sunscreen and favorite floaty—let’s dive into the wonderful world of (affordable) above ground pools!

If you need some pool toys, we've also rounded up our favorite Crazy Awesome Pool Floats for Kids and Babies This Summer and everyone needs more Eco-Friendly Sunscreen for Kids, which you'll find in the
Mommy Poppins Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

If you're looking for animal adventures in the Big Apple might we suggest the Staten Island Zoo—one of NYC's true hidden gems? While there are so many wonderful zoos in NYC, the compact Staten Island Zoo is seemingly overlooked. It has a perfect layout for small children and is packed with interesting species for kids of all ages to explore, plus it offers fun, family-friendly programming. Its admission fees are reasonable, so consider this your sign to head across the Verrazzano or take a FREE ferry ride to this under-the-radar NYC animal haven. 

You don’t need to be a Dungeon Master to laugh your head off at the new fully-immersive Dungeons & Dragons inspired live show in Times Square.

Inspired by the beloved fantasy role-playing tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is a hilarious and highly-interactive new production that ticks all of the boxes for a super entertaining, one-of-a-kind NYC outing fit for gamers and non-gamers alike.

With my very excited 9-year-old son and his best friend in tow, I recently hopped on the subway to 42nd Street to check out the much-buzzed-about comedy that opened for previews in April of this year. Read on for my review, plus learn everything you need to know about The Twenty-Sided Tavern–including how to enter the digital lottery for discounted tickets.

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