Now that it's August, it's time for a reality check on summer reading assignments. To keep up with their daily reading logs, my kids have been enjoying visits to the library, where there are some great summer programs. Storytimes with ReadBoston in BPL branches and other neighborhood venues are only going on for a few more weeks, so look for one near you before it's too late.

My family has also been loving all the activities at local parks. In addition to ReadBoston storytimes, there are free craft workshops and outdoor movies. Take a look at these and other picks for the week, and don't forget to check the full Event Calendar for more fun happenings!

We're heading into the last few weeks of summer vacation before school starts, so let's make the most of it. This week, there's magic, outdoor movies, swimming and more. And that's just the beginning--there is so much more on our Long Island Events Calendar.

For more ideas on how to enjoy the season on Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide. And if you're spending any time on the East End, visit our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Can you believe it's August? It's the last gasp of summer, and I confess I'm feeling the pressure to make memories and make every moment count. But it's also hot and steamy, and sometimes the goal of keeping everyone cool and entertained for a whole afternoon--nevermind a whole day!--seems challenging indeed. We've rounded up some of our favorite activities for the week from across the state, sure to entertain kids of all ages and interests, from a magic show that will delight kids and their parents to a rock concert just for teenagers to a car show for the whole family, and so much more. Check out our Event Calendar for even more suggestions. Have a great week!

With temperatures soaring, New Yorkers everywhere are looking for ways to beat the heat. The city's outdoor public pools are a great, FREE way to cool off, but they can be tricky to navigate with a baby or young toddlers. I recently visited McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg with my 10-month-old and while we had a great time, there are definitely some things to keep in mind when visiting with your youngest kids. We've got details on McCarren's recently renovated outdoor pool, plus tips to help make trips to NYC pools more enjoyable for baby—and parents!

My kids are water park fanatics, so when we were invited to check out the new and improved Splashplex in East Hanover, they had their goggles on faster than you can say "cascading waterfall pool". And the Splashplex upgrade did not disappoint--read on for Mommy Poppins New Jersey's review of the newly-expanded summer companion to one of our favorite indoor amusement parks, the Funplex.

Like many other little girls her age my three year old daughter is currently all about Princesses and dressing up. For her most recent birthday party we celebrated with a ballerina theme and all the guests dressed up in tutus. Now she has already started planning for her next soiree which is nine months away. To make your own child’s birthday festivities just as magical try out one of these fun choices in Hartford County and it will be a fancy gala your little Princess will always remember. For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

Located on the northeast edge of New Haven County, Cheshire has twice been named by Money magazine as one of "100 Best Places to Live", and for good reason. Packed in an area of 33 square miles, you will find charming neighborhoods filled with tree-lined streets, history, art, culture, playgrounds, delicious places to eat, Connecticut's tallest single drop waterfall, and one awesome cartoon museum. Whether you choose to spend a day in town, or just a few hours, there is plenty to do here. 

Between all the back-to-school ads and the calendar on the wall, there's no denying that August is nigh. That means summer break is half over—or only half started, depending on how you look at it. August brings some of the season's best family activities, and we've rounded up our top picks of the month in NYC, Westchester, Connecticut and elsewhere. It's worth browsing the GoLists on all of our sites to inspire a day trip or two.

Speaking of skipping town, there's a brand-new water park near NYC, and we could all use some serious cooling off right about now. Our Westchester site profiled one of our favorite easy getaways, the alfresco art spot Storm King Art Center, a 75-minute drive from Manhattan, while Connecticut raved about the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, located just 15 minutes away from family hot spot Mystic. If you're up for a true vacation, consider whale watching in Boston or hopping a plane to Las Vegas, which is amazingly kid-centric.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week: