Give most children a stick, and inevitably it will become a sword. My children love battling it out with everything from wrapping paper tubes to broomsticks. Why not turn that love of battle into a great form of exercise for your kids? As a mother of a fairly coordinated kid who hates the idea of baseball, soccer, and football, I've come to realize that classes in an individual sports like karate or fencing might be the best way to get him sweating. Fencing is just the right mix of imagination and sport; kids love the cool swordplay, and parents love the discipline, coordination, and logical thinking that fencing lessons provide. If you are looking for a fun new sport for your kids, take a stab at fencing at one of these amazing fencing schools right here in New Jersey. For more great summer camps, check out our New Jersey Summer Day Camp Guide.

If you have a little adventure seeker that loves the outdoors and summer activities then you should head out onto the water and try out canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. It could be an exciting new adventure to try out with the family this summer! There are a few choices to explore right here in Hartford County including a post we did about canoeing down the Farmington River. Excursion companies all over the state will take you out on exciting adventures.

You don't need to be a nerd to enjoy the World Science Festival, a five-day, multidisciplinary science celebration featuring plenty of programming for kids. In fact, its FREE Ultimate Science Street Fair is one of our favorite FREE annual festivals for families. This year, the organizers have made a number of changes to the fest and there are more hands-on science experiences for kids than ever before. Many of these events are FREE, and we have an exclusive discount for two of the most popular ticketed youth programs: Cool Jobs and Scientist's Apprentice.

More than 40 events are taking place at various NYC venues from Wednesday, May 28 to Sunday, June 1. In addition to the Ultimate Science Street Fair on the last day, there are several cool new attractions with lots of kid appeal, like a traveling NASA exhibit, a giant animated weather globe at NYU, a replica of a comet in Brooklyn Bridge Park, plus face time with real-life scientists and astronauts.

Here are the best things to do with kids at the 2014 World Science Festival:

This post is being updated for 2015. 

Kids love getting crafty, so what better way to encourage their creativity and emergent sense of style than with a beading birthday party? In store, in home or in a rented space, these beading businesses provide the materials and know-how to help the your budding designer and all of the birthday guests create stunning jewelry with a professional touch. Girls AND boys will love the special necklaces, earrings and bracelets they created themselves and you will love the ease with which the whole party comes together. 

Ok, let’s admit it: Boat parties are awesome. They’re unique, they’re memorable, they’re different. Good to know: Most party boat rentals involve some type of fishing. Not all, but some. And some just tool around the Statue of Liberty, which is cool enough on its own. Note: If your child is interested in a boat party, it’s strongly advised to strap them into a life preserver. Most marinas have life vests for children, but it may be wise to invest in a floatation device for every child. Here are six NJ-based marinas that offer some boat-riding fun for the whole family. And for more party awesomeness, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

New moms should always remember that they are not alone! There's always another mom nearby also looking for a specific parenting course, or just hoping to meet another mom as cool--and perhaps as frazzled!--as they are. New Jersey is home to a wonderful array of really specialized baby classes and meet-ups such as adventures in baby-wearing, stroller fitness and more. Below is a list of some extra-special baby classes that may pique your interest.

The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is nearly here, which means lots of parades and backyard barbecues. But for those looking for something a little different, taking a day trip with the family can be the perfect way to get away while still staying close to home. We've created a list of 8 fun places to spend a day over Memorial Day weekend. And for more kid-friendly activities and events, be sure to check out our Long Island Calendar, as well as our roundup of Memorial Day Events.

Even though Memorial Day weekend is next week, we're gearing up for summer's unofficial kickoff a little early. (After the winter we all endured, we can't help fantasizing about warm weather fun.) Check out our Spring Guide and you'll find posts about seasonal attractions opening on the holiday weekend, like the newly expanded Governors Island and Central Park's beloved tot spot Victorian Gardens amusement park. We also rounded up a bunch of great family getaways in New Jersey for Memorial Day weekend or any summer weekend.

Speaking of getting out of town, our regional sites are full of travel inspiration, whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a bona fide vacation. New Jersey just posted about pick-your-own strawberry farms and you can find even more berry-picking spots in our Farm Guide. Even though we've got mini golf right here in NYC, the ones in Westchester have a lot more bells and whistles (and ponds and windmills). Or commune with nature by visiting NJ's beautiful tree-filled arboretums.

Of course you don't need to skip town to have fun. In fact, this weekend you'll want to stick around since there are so many amazing family activities going on, including a Laurie Berkner concert, the annual Dance Parade New York and Queens' World's Fair Anniversary Festival. Plus you'll find the Mommy Poppins' gang at the New York Baby Show, where we'll be giving away some awesome prizes and showing kids how to make these adorable WeeWork Clothespin Creatures.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week: