With the temperature (and humidity!) rising, summer seems to have arrived, but most NYC kids still have weeks of classes ahead. Nevertheless, we've got news of lots of cool happenings to look forward to once homework no longer dominates every waking minute. From rewards for good grades at a popular amusement park, to a partnership between the Girl Scouts and the National Park Service, to an innovative new program at the Children's Museum of the Arts, this news post is packed with fun for families.

Mommy & Me yoga classes are a weekly date for my son and me. We have been going since he was about two years old and now, more than a year later, we are having as much fun as ever.

I have found that yoga is a great way to bond with your child while also getting a workout. When my son first started taking these classes, he loved being able to show off his downward dog or butterfly pose. Since then, he has gained great strength and flexibility, and even knows how take a deep breath as a means to calm himself—a technique we have used to stave off many a temper tantrum.

If you and your tot are looking to get your om on, here are our picks for Mommy & Me yoga programs in NYC.

These days there is a lot of pressure to drive less and bike, walk, or take public transportation. While I am all for the worthy principles behind this, as a mom, the thought of my kids pedaling through our crazy LA traffic is terrifying. However, sooner or later, bike they must. This week brings an opportunity to brush up on safety tips regarding pedestrian and bike awareness.

The LA Phil performs free downtown this week, Big Hero 6 screens for free in Pasadena, and Häagen-Dazs is giving away free cones if you are in the mood for ice cream. Parents still figuring out the school thing may want to check out the Kindergarten Admissions Panel at the Beverly Hills Public Library. All this, plus the following outings are favorites on our Event Calendar this week.

Monsters, dragons and moths, oh my! Creatures of all kinds pop up in this week's picks. Freebies include Dragons Love Tacos Storytime, Moths of New Jersey and Tea Party Bingo. Crafts are in the spotlight with Awesome Animal Artists, MAM Park Bench and After-School Art Class. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more cool things to do with kids.

There is an interesting mix of educational and creative events happening across Long Island this week. From discovering the difference between the ACT and SAT and learning how to plant a garden, to making yummy chocolate treats and creating an airbrushed masterpiece, kids of all ages will find something to do. We've highlighted just a few of our favorite events for the week below. For even more things to do with the kids, be sure to take a look at our Event Calendar.

The week ahead is full of eclectic and stimulating fun for Westchester families. The SummerFest Kids' Concert series kicks off with a performance inspired by the hit Disney flick Frozen. Little Einsteins will love doing hands-on experiments with Scientists at Work. And it's hard not to smile at an event called Dance Like a Chicken Day.

Bonus: Four of the five events we’re highlighting are FREE! Want more free fun? Check out our Event Calendar and our May GoList.

I write this post basking in the afterglow of a Mother's Day celebration that included handmade treasures from my kids, a delicious breakfast, and an ice-cold Diet Coke with a squeeze of lime, just the way I like it (they know me so well!). So I'm recharged and inspired to redouble my efforts to track down the most fun local activities for the coming week and beyond. We only highlight one event per day in this post, but there are many other suggestions in our Event Calendar. If you're still making decisions about summer, be sure to check out our Camp Guide for info on day and sleepaway camp options.

After a relaxing, gorgeous Mother's Day, I'm ready to get back at it with my family this week. Our school-year activities are starting to wind down, which means we have more time to get out to museums and some of the great local events going on this spring. We're looking forward to the Lawn on D Grand Opening celebration this coming weekend. But first, our picks of the week below include plenty of fun and free (or inexpensive) events for babies to teens. So, get on out and enjoy them, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!