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.

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!

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.

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.

The countdown to the last day of school has begun—my daughter has been crossing out dates on the calendar with extra zeal. Over the past few weeks, we've gotten a jump on all of the FREE fun summer has on tap by visiting the just-opened Interactive Sculpture Garden and mini-golf course on Governors Island, and enjoying no-cost outdoor movies, kids' concerts and festivals.

If you're planning a NYC staycation this season like we are, you'll find plenty of things to amuse the whole family in our Summer Guide. However, if you're hoping for a vacation or two, our Travel site has in-depth posts about family-friendly travel spots around the country, like our just-published profile of laid-back California beach town Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as international destinations like Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort in the Caribbean. Looking for a getaway that doesn't involve a plane ride? Our tri-state area sites are full of ideas, like the brand-new construction-themed amusement park Diggerland in New Jersey, the quaint waterside town of Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Long Island's activity-packed East End. With all of these cool possibilities, I think I may be as impatient for summer break to arrive as my daughter.

Here's what else we covered in NYC this week:

Saturday is the 10th annual CT Open House day, where state residents can visit art galleries, museums, theaters, historic and tourism venues for free or reduced rates when showing a CT driver's license. It is the perfect opportunity to get out there and explore the wealth of history and culture all around us. Be sure to check each individual's website to see specific offers and admission deals. 

Sunday is Father's Day, and how about checking out Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport? It is a great spot, and we recently reviewed it to give you the inside information about what to expect.  When the pavement is dry and the weather warm, skaters rejoice. Check out some of these skateboard parks in Fairfield County.

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Here are some ideas for the weekend!

The next stop in our Great Small Town series is Red Bank. With an eclectic mix of small town charm and arts & entertainment mecca, Red Bank is the perfect destination for a New Jersey day trip. Located in Monmouth County, Red Bank is filled with restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and parks. It’s located on the Navesink River and just five miles from the Atlantic Ocean, so it’s a short drive to several public beaches, including Sandy Hook and the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Providence is showing dads the love this weekend with freebies and discounts at family-friendly places around the city. Read on for some ideas for spending a fun day with your favorite father in Providence without breaking the bank – whether he’s the outdoors type, the academic sort, a grown-up kid, or just uniquely himself.

If you're looking for even more to do in Rhode Island, check out our Rhode Island Fun Guide for the skinny on taking the kids to a PawSox game, and day tripping to Newport or East Bay towns. If you'd rather stay closer to Boston, take a look at our list of 10 Things Dads Actually Want to Do for Father's Day in Boston.