How often do I find myself at a loss for what to do with my child between dance and soccer? I only have a little over an hour, but that 60 minutes can be tough for my little one if I don't make the right plans. Sometimes, a simple trip to the library will suffice, but other times I opt for a children's show at the 49-seat Little Theater in West LA, a destination we have previously spotlighted as a great place to capture your youngster's attention.

The two plays currently playing at The Little Theater are Snow White and Three Bully Goats Gruff, and each one runs a little less than an hour.

Do, re, mi, fa…so your years spent singing the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle has instilled a love for music in your child? If they aspire to be the next Justin Bieber then signing your child up for singing or dancing classes might be a good idea. Lucky for you, there are many voice and dance instructors in the Hartford County area that can help  your talented performer progress.

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and on the East End of Long Island that means it’s time for... strawberries! This weekend, all eyes turn to the big daddy of outdoor fests: the Mattituck Lions Club’s annual Strawberry Festival. Carnival rides, live music and, of course, shortcake herald the return of the strawberry in a way that has delighted families for 61 years. This is the North Fork’s largest fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Lions Club charities.

On the South Fork this weekend, Southampton celebrates its 375th anniversary, and a Father’s Day craft fair offers kids a chance to pick up a present for dad. With Sunday dedicated to daddy bonding, most of our picks take place on Friday and Saturday.

For more fun options, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Truth be told, I miss the days when a nicely wrapped tie did the trick for Father’s Day. But it's been years since my husband wore a tie to his job—a decade, in fact. (Just last weekend, my 4-year-old burst into tears when she saw my husband in his blue jeans; she thought he put on his "work suit" to head into the office!)

Well, dad can spend Father's Day wearing whatever he likes. He can don his board shorts for a day trip to one of CT's great beaches, or put on his workout clothes for a day of biking, hiking or climbing. But if he just wants to throw on those comfy old jeans, there are lots of casual but fun-filled ways to celebrate Father's Day in Fairfield County with the whole family:

One of the things I love most about living in upper Manhattan is the abundance of green spaces. But while we've got amphitheaters and ball fields galore, we've had a lack of renovated, state-of-the-art destination playgrounds. However, that's starting to change. I noticed a handful of local parks on the city's list for revitalization, but those projects are still in the works and I have three energetic kids to entertain, pronto. That's why I was thrilled when friends raved to me about the overhauled Nature Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park. My kids and I checked it out, and it did not disappoint! From a cool tree house to an exciting zip line, there are lots of exceptional attractions for kids, along with the usual fun play stuff.

Father's Day is supposed to be all about dad, and yet, every year when I ask my husband how he wants to mark the occasion, he replies, "Whatever you want, honey." Agreeable, sure, but helpful? Nope. So this year I decided to turn to the experts for advice: all the other dads I know.

I gave them two rules for their Father's Day wish lists—keep it PG and include the whole family. The result was an eclectic list of fantastic (and many FREE) ways to celebrate Father's Day in New York City that both parents and kids can enjoy. Even better, many of these ideas aren't unique to this Sunday—you can try most of them anytime. So whether you're a partner left to plan the big day or a father looking for inspiration, here are 10 things real-life dads would love to do on Father's Day in NYC.

From North Fork trails that wind through wine country, to mountain walks in Montauk, the East End lets families explore nature’s diversity. Flowers bloom, rare birds soar and seals bond with curious onlookers, all in a mile-long stretch by the shore.

Parents hoping to foster a love of Mother Nature in their kids should check out some of these family-friendly hikes around the East End. Here you’ll find walks suitable for all ages, from young children through teens. Just remember: stay hydrated and be wary of ticks!

And for the best in family fun out East this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Hikers from all over the world flock to Mount Monadnock for a relatively easy climb that’s rewarded by breathtaking views and bragging rights. But you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. Tucked in the southwestern corner of the state, the area offers activities for every age and interest—toddlers to great-grandparents, nature lovers to shopaholics—making it the perfect place for a multigenerational family getaway.

Even if trekking mountains is what draws your adventurous family to the Monadnock Region, you’ll want to take a break to explore the quaint towns that dot the magnificent landscape. Stroll the idyllic New England main streets of Peterborough and Keene, stop in a restaurant with a view for a bite to eat, and explore the arts, culture, and unique shops. Then you’ll be ready to scale another of the region's mountains.