At long last we have reached the very precipice of summer: Memorial Day weekend! I have dug the beach chairs out of the garage, taken the grill out for a test run, and I can't wait to plant my feet in the sand and perhaps even in the Sound. There's all kinds of non-beachy fun to be had this weekend too from fairs and carnivals to animal encounters, special concerts, and more.

Whatever your plans, the significance of Memorial Day should not be forgotten. If you're looking for an educational way to honor the men and women who died in service to our nation, our Event Calendar features many kid-friendly parades and ceremonies, including the Revolutionary War Encampment in Wethersfield, the Decoration Day event at Mystic Seaport, or even the screening of Saving Private Ryan in Bridgeport. To keep up with everything going on in CT, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Wishing you the very best Memorial Day weekend!

Sunny weekends are perfect for family-fun festivals, and New Jersey has a variety this June. Whether your crew loves classic carnival games, art, music, or food, this month's festival lineup has something for everyone.

Little swashbucklers will enjoy National Marina Day, music lovers can dance the day away at Garwood Rocks, and Garden State kids can satisfy their sweet tooth at any one of the many farm-style strawberry fests this month. For carnival games and thrills, don't miss the 31st annual State Fair Meadowlands, and make sure to show Dad some love at several street and shore fairs fitting for Father’s Day.

Read on for 23 fairs and festivals happening throughout NJ in June. And be sure to check out our Event Calendar for even more family happenings this month.

For those of you staying in Westchester for Memorial Day weekend, there's no shortage of events worth attending, both here and in the Hudson Valley.

Many towns and villages throughout the county celebrate the occasion with parades and ceremonies. Standouts include the Memorial Day Races & Fair, with fun festivities rounding out the occasion.

The three-day weekend is also a great time for animal encounters, with the Memorial Day Dog Parade & Show leading the pack. A couple of the many seasonal festivals we previously told you about also take place this weekend, and there’s a performance by the The Zerbini Family Circus.

And, while all of the above are annual affairs, this Saturday is the only chance we’ll have to celebrate Playland's 90th Birthday, and loads of perks are planned for the occasion. While there, head next door (or to Croton or New Rochelle), when Westchester beaches open for the season.

So let everyone else deal with the traffic and hassle of heading out of town; there’s plenty to do right here at home! Read on to see all of our top weekend picks, and consult our Event Calendar for even more options.

By now you've probably already checked a few items off our LA bucket list of 100+ things to do with Angeleno kids before they become Angeleno adults. But some days Mom can't face the 405; sometimes we just need ideas to fill an hour or two without leaving the 'hood. That's the inspiration for our series of neighborhood fun lists; and speaking of fun neighborhoods, how about that Culver City? Once a well kept secret, these days Culver City is a Westside gem in great demand. But with so much going on, a busy parent could miss some of these great activities around Culver City.

There's something about a farmers' market that inspires even the pickiest eater to try something he or she otherwise would not. Perhaps it's the fun of meeting a farmer, the spectacle of all the bold, colorful displays of produce, or maybe it’s simply the freedom of an outdoor market filled with delicious aromas and live music.

Spring is the traditional opening of farmers' markets across Long Island. So we’ve rounded up markets from Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End sure to supply you and your family with delicious locally grown fruits and veggies, as well as inspiration for how to prepare them once you get home. Bring reusable bags so you and the kids can comfortably tote your bounty. Bring your appetite, too: You'll want to snack while you shop.

Times are as of May 2018. But be advised: Times and locations can change, and inclement weather can postpone markets. If you're traveling some distance, call ahead or check websites before heading out. 

For more outdoor activities as the weather warms up, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Minutes from Pelham Bay Park, City Island is known for its seafood restaurants, Victorian architecture, and quaint fishing village vibe, making it an excellent destination for families looking to take a break from NYC's busy pace without straying too far from home.

Originally purchased from the Lenape Indians in 1654, the isle has evolved from an oyster epic center to a shipbuilding and yachting hub and is now a day-tripper's paradise. Located in the Bronx and a short 30-45 minute ride (via car or train from midtown Manhattan), City Island is an accessible destination to add to your family’s NYC bucket list.

Dinos, tortoises, and giant insects, oh my! Philly’s got a lot of great museum and educational experiences for kids, and the Academy of Natural Sciences is no exception. Here are 10 reasons why you should take your kids to this museum this month.

As parents, we hear about the growing importance of STEM education all the time. Specifically, Computer Science which is getting more and more attention as the technology boom shows no signs of stopping (and fears about robots snatching up our children's future jobs continues to grow...). But can parents rely on schools to prepare our kids? Technology is evolving so fast, it’s hard to stay on top of it all. Let alone, understand how it might impact our children’s futures.

To help provide insight into the best coding and STEM education practices, we sat down with Holly Horrigan, a computer science instructor at CS Recitations, a year round after school program in Natick that features a comprehensive curriculum for grades 3 through 12. Read on to learn why exactly these types of programs are so important, and how to make sure you're setting your child up for major STEM success.