Many parents rely on the free breakfast and lunch available through the local school system to keep their kids' engines running—but what happens in the summer? Thankfully, there are still free meal programs available when school lets out.

Parents will find free breakfast, lunch, and sometimes afternoon snacks and more meals served up at certain parks, schools, community centers, hospitals, and elsewhere this summer. Many of the summer meal programs are federally funded through the USDA's Summer Food Service Program, but administered by local organizations, cities, or states. Read on for tips on how to find a free kids meal near you.

Good news for pint-sized thrill seekers in Queens: There's a new ferris wheel just for kids at the preschooler-friendly Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village, now open for the season. This leafy, old-fashioned mini amusement park in Forest Park (located in the park on the bandshell side of Woodhaven Boulevard) has long been a hidden-gem favorite of Queens families, with its historic carousel, rides, and games. The opening of a ferris wheel specifically designed with little ones in mind makes the park the perfect activity for a slow summer's day. Here's what to know before you go.

Did you know: With your hometown library card and form of ID, Connecticut residents can check out books from public libraries statewide? And libraries are MUCH more than books these days! My kids basically think librarians are superheroes: they can put together a midnight Harry Potter book launch in a single bound! And another bonus, don't forget: libraries are FREE. So what else do you need as a perfect excuse to pile the kids in the car and set the GPS for a library destination less known? We've rounded up some of our favorite libraries that stand out from the pack (though really, we love ALL libraries!) While you are out and about, make a stop at some of our other recommended free and inexpensive destinations in Fairfield County. 

There's no shortage of shoreline in Fairfield County, but that doesn't mean you won't pine for an outdoor swimming pool from time to time.  Finding one you're allowed to use, however, may be more challenging than finding an affordable beach.  Many towns have never had them.  Others have shut them down for safety/insurance reasons.  That leaves a handful of town pools, and those at private clubs (and ok, yes, countless backyard pools, but we're assuming you gave up your fence-hopping days when Junior came along).  Mommy Poppins has done some digging, and found a handful you can pay to take a dip in for the day. 

How many Legos do you need to step on before you realize your kid probably doesn’t need another toy for their birthday? It’s not an existential question as much as it is a practical one. If your little one has already accumulated as many material goods as they could ever need or want (thanks, Grandma), try a different tack for birthday gift-giving this year. Why not pick a cool experience instead of a toy this birthday? 

Raising kids in the best city on the planet has its advantages, and there's no shortage of meaningful "experience gifts" to choose from for your city kid. Check out these birthday-worthy NYC experiences that range from totally free to a bit of splurge—and surprise your child with a fabulous birthday experience that is sure to be fun for them, and you too!

School's out and summer is here. Time to find some great new ways to keep the kids busy and entertained over break without breaking the bank. We've compiled a HUGE list full of free events and anytime activity ideas for you to keep those kiddos busy all summer long. For more great events, check out our full event calendar.

Billed as the biggest indoor water park in New York state, the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is finally open! 

Since we first learned about this exciting new indoor water park in the Catskills more than a year ago, our New York-area families have been anticipating its grand opening, which took place in April. 

Eager for a weekend getaway, I recently visited the family-friendly resort for an overnight stay with my 5-year-old daughter. Sitting on two beautiful acres, with 318,000 gallons of water running through it, and 80,000-square-feet of water attractions—plus lots of splashes and sprays—the Kartrite does not disappoint.