If you and your family love nature, get ready to strap on your hiking boots, pack lunch and enjoy the beauty of the East End's woodlands. From the North Fork across to the South Fork, there are plenty of hiking trails for you and your family to enjoy. It's a great way to see the natural beauty of Long Island, as well as get the whole family some exercise. Below, we list 6 family-friendly hiking trails to explore this summer. And for more kid-friendly activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar.

In June we have been highlighting the City of White Plains and all it has to offer visitors and residents alike. We've covered our favorite things to do in the city, awesome parks and playgrounds and our picks for indoor fun. Now we're turning our attention to the best places for families to eat in White Plains.

While there are plenty of chain restaurants glowing bright on the street corners and inside the malls, the real dining gems in White Plains are independent, locally owned establishments. Mostly located along Mamaroneck Avenue, the main strip for small shops, these kid-friendly restaurants lend a small town feel to a large suburban city.

This season, we're partnering with KaBOOM! to promote a SUMMER OF PLAY. A few months back, KaBOOM!, the nonprofit dedicated to bringing play to all children, held a nationwide contest with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to find America's Most Playful Family. Families all over the country shared the different ways they like to play, often illustrating that you don't need lots of toys or organized activities to have a great time. Play ideas can come from people of all ages, even caring adults who ensure kids get the balanced and active play they need to thrive.

You can't help but be inspired by America's Most Playful Family contest winners, the Thomases from Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico. Even though they don't have playgrounds in their community or fancy playthings, they invent games that incorporate cultural traditions and all three generations of family. Watch the video family portrait that won them the title, and then read about some of their fun games that you can try at home—no batteries needed.

Don't forget to share your family's playtime on social media with the hashtags #summerofplay and #playmatters to inspire others and for a chance to win the Ultimate Summer of Play Bash or other prizes. And check our Summer of Play gallery on Facebook to see what others are posting.

With summer in full swing, it's a treat to explore all that Fairfield County has to offer.  You're probably busy working through our Ultimate Summer Play List, but if you've got a train lover in the house, you'll definitely want to check out all the ways you can ride the rails and learn about the rich history of railways and trolleys in our area. All aboard!

Start this week with some deep breathing. The days leading up to the Fourth of July can be a little bit sleepy. If you are hosting a barbecue, get the kids to help with decorations. If you are going to someone else’s party, bring some home made apple pie chips. Meanwhile, it’s summertime in Los Angeles and there is always plenty to do.

Take a mini break from the beach and the pool and enjoy some family-friendly live theater this summer. Sometimes we need a little nudge (here's your nudge...) to remind us about the creative power of live performances. There are some great shows playing in July and August--be sure to check one out and sing along! And for even more summer fun, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Summer and family vacation go together like milk and cookies.  With the kids out of school, many families will hit the road for some fun and togetherness.  This summer, there are deals to be found.  In New England, Great Wolf Lodge has a brand new water-filled outpost. For something more low-key, try a farm-style vacation in New Hampshire.  Tanglewood, the venerable music festival in the Berkshires, invites kids to hear concerts for free. Kids cruise to Nova Scotia from Maine without paying a dime.  Plan a vacation or staycation at the Park Central in New York City and you won’t break the bank. West Coast families can enjoy a getaway to the Enchantment Resort in Arizona or score a cool bargain in hot Palm Springs.  If you’re thinking tropical, the British Virgin Islands has some great offers or try the all-inclusive Paradisis Resorts scattered around the Caribbean, where kids stay free.

All month long we have been featuring the fantastic city of White Plains. So far, we've covered the top things to do and the best parks and playgrounds in the city. Now we're turning our focus to the coolest indoor spots to have fun in White Plains! Whether your family is looking to beat the heat for the day, or simply want to try something new, White Plains offers so many options, the hardest part is choosing what to do first. So read on for our picks of the best indoor places to play and learn in White Plains.