For our second dedicated news post, we're taking a look at some new information about the possible causes of autism. With Playmate Jenny McCarthy getting press coverage for saying she knows what triggers the disease while various medical experts argue about its causes, it can be tough for parents to figure out who to listen to. While Time magazine recently reiterated that the study linking childhood vaccines to autism has been repeatedly debunked, its definitive cause remains a mystery.

However, some leading experts on autism, ADHD and learning disabilities have now published a list in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives of chemicals and heavy metals that they believe are more likely than even a genetic predisposition to trigger the onset of these diseases.

Wait!  It’s already July this weekend?! Now that summer is in full swing it's time to get out and catch up on some REAL NJ summer fun! This weekend there’s a Jazz Festival in Asbury Park, a Jump and Jive Carnival at the NJ Children's Museum and an historic baseball game in Princeton; you can even get a jump start on your Independence Day in Avalon. It's all good, and it's ALL summery! Read on for our top picks and remember, you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

Outdoor fun seems to be the theme of this week's links roundup: Two new Brooklyn pools are set to open this summer, a pair of brand-new NYC skateparks also recently debuted and there's soon to be a zip line strung across Foley Square.

We've got all that plus the scoop on a new anti-bullying state law and my take on the mission to muzzle Cosmo because it's damaging to girls (as the dad of two young daughters, I have a strong opinion about it).

We've written a lot about the awesome family shows at TADA!, NYC's premier youth theater company. The original musicals are always sweet and smart, and performed by kids for their peers.

Of course once your children see a TADA! show, they'll probably beg to do one (my daughter certainly did). Luckily, TADA! doesn't just entertain NYC families. The troupe also runs popular camps and classes for kids. One of the best things about TADA!'s programs is that your child doesn't need to be a Broadway baby to attend. No audition is required and enthusiasm is prized over ability, so it's a noncompetitive and fun environment.

We're giving away three great TADA! prizes: one week of summer camp, a semester-long class and a family four-pack of tickets to the company's summertime musical, Everything About School (Almost). All told, that's more than $850 in prizes!

Read on for more info on the camps and classes TADA! offers, and the scoop on how to enter to win these great prizes.

Moms and Dads, get ready to save the dates of some very special free outdoor summer concerts being performed on Long Island this summer. We've rounded up concerts geared especially for kids with kindie-rock headliners such as the Fuzzy Lemons, Tim and the Space Cadets, and even Dan Zanes. We've also brought you free concert series that are intended for a general audience but are still a great way to spend a summer night with the family. Tribute bands of legendary musicians such as Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and U2 will rock the stages in towns throughout the Island giving parents the opportunity to share with our kids the music we listened to growing up. Genres such as country music, world music, classic rock, big band, standards and doo-wop are also making a strong showing at these venues. Check the links below for full schedules and details.

Pack all you will need for a night out under the stars including snacks, chairs, blankets and insect repellant and don't forget your dancing shoes!

“The time for action has arrived…”

Museum, guided tour, interactive exhibit, historical re-enactment - you could describe the Tea Party Ships and Museum as any of these, but in reality, it’s actually all of these. Many years in the re-building, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum opens on June 26 on the Congress Street Bridge, just around the corner from the Children’s Museum.

We recently had the opportunity to tour this new Boston attraction and have to admit that we were were impressed by the quality, care and attention to detail that has gone in to the project.

Radio City Music Hall is known for hosting huge spectacles on its football-stadium-size stage. And Cirque du Soleil is known for its enchantingly beautiful performances. Put them together and you get Zarkana, a visually stunning extravaganza of epic proportions.

[UPDATED 5/22/2013]

Wow…summer is here with a vengeance!  90 degrees for the second day running means this family is beach bound.  I’ve put together some of the beaches we’ll be hitting this summer.

Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT
This large beautiful beach offers a lot of amenities: an adjacent playground, skate park, as well as on site concessions and bathrooms.  You will need a sticker for entry or ($15/weekdays, $25/weekends).  Best to come early!

880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824