Here we are, smack-dab in the middle of summer when there are tons of cool things to do in our city. We all know that. But did you know a lot of the fun is free? To prove it, this week we've rounded up five activities that won't cost you a penny.

But wait, there's more! You can also celebrate National Lollipop Day on Monday with a no-cost, made-in-California confection from See’s Candy (only a sucker would pass that up); enjoy free admission to The Arboretum and Descanso Gardens on Tuesday; and catch complimentary concerts and movies throughout the week.

Remember, you can find even more free and low-cost activities in our jam-packed Event Calendar.

Entertainment abounds for Westchester families this week, with various performances the whole family can enjoy. There’s a comedic juggling show and an outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz, for starters. And if your kids want to switch roles and claim the spotlight, sign them up for Open Mic Night at the Paramount Hudson Valley. Read on for our top picks for each weekday, but remember--you’ll find even more great activities to choose from on our Event Calendar!

This week is filled with kid-friendly fun. From outdoor movies and live theater to animal fun and a carnival, there is something to keep your child entertained--and mom and dad are sure to have a good time, too.

These are just a few of the things on our jam-packed events calendar so be sure to check back regularly. And if you're spending any time on the East End, visit our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Most locals know about the great activities going on at Massachusetts museums this summer as part of Free Fun Fridays. But in case you didn't know, some museums offer free events on other weekdays, including Neighborhood Nights at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (pictured). Having attended one of these free evenings before, I can tell you that they are fun for everyone in the family.

Trying to avoid summer slide? STEM camps offer one way to keep kids' minds active, but you can also inject a little STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) into your child's day at local parks. As always, some great outdoor concerts round out the week, so have a great one, and don't forget to check out the full Event  Calendar!

We are finally settled into our summer routine, and once again I've been reminded of the value of planning: having a few activities penciled into my calendar (or bookmarked in my browser) gives me a plan of attack the moment I hear that dreaded summer whine, "I'm boooooooooored!" This week there are some terrific activities all over the state, including free concerts, a campfire, and even a luau.  If you're looking to beat the heat, our Summer Fun Guide has lots of great suggestions including a rundown of beach day trips, and our event calendar is updated throughout the week!  Stay cool, and have fun!

As the city hits a full summer boil, many of us are looking for a little escape, preferably one where we can dunk our roasting selves in some sort of body of water. Whether you prefer cool beach waves, an afternoon of kayaking or tubing along the river or maybe dashing down a winding water slide, water features provide instant relief to sweltering summer heat.

While I love getting out of the city for a weekend trip, sometimes all the planning, packing and finagling of kids' sleep schedules can really take a toll. Instead of an extended stay, why not sneak away for a quick day trip? Luckily you don't have to go far. We've rounded up five destinations under two hours from NYC by car, so you'll be back before bedtime!

From tots to teens, New York City is home to kids tennis classes for a wide range of ages and abilities. From outdoor courts to bubbles and indoor options, you can find tennis lessons and youth tennis leagues happening year round.

You can find more tennis classes for kids in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

English is a tricky language with a lot of words and a whole heck of a lot of crazy rules (and exceptions to rules) about how things should be spelled. When I watch a kid learning the English language I honestly don't know how any of us do it. It's truly amazing that any of us learn how to read and spell.

Parents can support their kids learning to spell and write in school by spending time with them at home, reading and playing word games. Word games can help early writers just learning how to spell, as well as more advanced writers to increase their vocabularies. I've picked out a few word games that help kids with spelling words and tried them out with my seven year old. Not only have I been impressed with his growing ability and comfort (sometimes that's the most important thing) with spelling words, but we've had a lot of fun too.  And great warm up for back to school.