Nothing says summer more than spending time as a family at a fair or festival on Long Island. It's a chance to be outdoors, spend time with the friends and neighbors, and make lasting memories.

Whether your family enjoys an old-fashioned street fair in your neighborhood or ventures nearby to see how other communities celebrate summer, these family-friendly events are sure to leave everyone smiling. Plus, many of these events are FREE to the public. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best fairs and festivals taking place in Nassau and Suffolk counties and on the East End in July and August. 

For more seasonal inspiration, check out our Summer Fun Guide and Events Calendar. And while you're at it, consider one or two of our 25 must-do activities with kids this summer. If you're on a budget, try a few of our 50 FREE things to do with LI kids before school resumes. 

Fairs and festivals and feasts, what fun! It’s nonstop action in NJ this month—read on for our recommendations and choose your favorites. With everything from state and county fairs to music and food festivals—and of course, awesome July 4th celebrations—there’s something happening almost every day in July. Mark your calendar now, and have a blast all month long.

And for more warm-weather action, visit our Summer Fun Guide.

New York City overflows with no-cost outdoor movie screenings each summer, with at least one FREE flick nearly every single evening in a park or garden this July. While a few series aim specifically for children, including RiverFlicks for Kids, most series sandwich their family films in between grown-up ones.

But it takes a LOT of time to sort through all the different calendars to weed out the movies for kids, so we've done the work for you. Behold: More than 100 FREE outdoor movies this July, all rated G, PG, or PG-13, and all organized by date.

So pack your picnic, grab a blanket, and head out to one of our picks for the best family-friendly alfresco flicks this month. Need more options? Check out our 100 Free Things To Do with Kids This Summer in NYC to save both your wallet and your sanity this school break. And keep an eye on our calendar, too!

It's official: Charlestown has gone to the dogs! This summer, the Charlestown Navy Yard is being invaded by huge, colorfully decorated sculptures in the shape of man's best friend. Canine-loving kids and grown-ups alike can enjoy the whimsy of these massive steel pups, designed by local artist Dale Rogers, that temporarily dot the landscape of Boston's most historic waterfront area. Situated on the lovely National Park Service grounds (where real dogs, on leashes, are welcome, too!) and next to the USS Constitution Museum (one of our fave free museums), the Big Dog Show will be accessible daily throughout Summer 2018. Consider it a perfect excuse to pack a picnic and head to Charlestown for a day or evening of public art, history, and awesome harbor views.

If your family is looking for a fun place on Long Island to explore this summer, look no further than Greenport. Located on the North Fork, it is one of the East End’s most charming and historic communities, complete with a walkable Main Street, beautiful harbor, and tons of things to do for the entire family.

From local museums and gorgeous beaches to kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, Greenport has much to offer families in the summertime. So, whether you decide to spend the day, enjoy a long weekend, or stay for the week, we’ve put together a list of things to do and see while you’re there.

Need more suggestions for things to do this summer? Check out our Summer Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar. For more out-east fun, take a look at our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork and our list of 50 must-do summer activities with kids on the East End.

Ready to treat yo'selves to an apartment upgrade, moms and dads? If you've been daydreaming about a feature-filled luxury building, then wait until you see what this new rental building on the Upper West Side has to offer. And we're not just talking elevators and doormen here... Think bowling alleys and smartphone concierge apps (um, not kidding).

222W80 is a boutique-size, all-new construction in one of Manhattan's prime family-friendly neighborhoods. Its stunning architecture, seriously spacious interiors, and premium finishes are certainly enough to catch your eye, but it's the uh-mazing list of amenities that makes it really tough to top. We spoke to Amy Rose, the CEO of Rose Associates — the building's developer and leasing firm — to get the rundown on the extensive offerings.

Nestled in the heart of nearby Brenham, Texas is Blue Bell Creamery, a small town factory that is home to one of the best-selling ice creams in the country. Like many native Houstonians, I grew up eating Blue Bell ice cream, and to this day you never have to look hard to find it on the freezer shelves in grocery stores. So, on a recent trip out to Brenham, we decided we could finally introduce our kids to the birthplace of one of our favorite Texas treats. Brenham is full of small-town charm, and "The Little Creamery," as it is affectionately known, offers a fantastic tour and delicious ice cream samples to boot. In short, this is a must-do for all Houston (and Texan!) kids.

So far this summer, we've posted FREE outdoor movie screenings, FREE kayaking, and FREE things to do every day with kids in New York City. Now we're rounding up our favorite and (mostly) FREE family festivals and city street fairs going on in the month of July.

Two of our favorite annual fests take place this month: the big Bastille Day street fair on the Upper East Side, and City of Water Day at South Street Seaport and other locations around town. But that's just the beginning. We've rounded up lots of other options, including Come Out & Play Family Day and Back to the Beach in Staten island.

So go grab your calendar (and check ours frequently)! Here are the best sizzling summer fests for New York City families.