School’s out for summer! Now that the kids are home full-time, it can be somewhat challenging to find new ways to keep them busy every day. Yes, there’s always the playground and the beach, but those looking for something different this summer will find that New Jersey is full of surprises. How about visiting the six-story tall elephant in Atlantic County? Or getting up close and personal with wolves in Warren County? Here’s the scoop on seven of New Jersey’s most unique destinations…there are plenty of fun ways to occupy everyone until September rolls around! And for even more summer awesomeness, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Even though the beginning of summer is an exciting time, I always find the end of school to be bittersweet. Yes, the kids are psyched about going to camp and traveling to fun places, but they're also saying goodbye to their friends as classes change, or heading off to a new school entirely. And for us parents, it's another milestone that reminds us that our kids are growing up—fast.

That's one of the big reasons we try to make every summer the best one ever, and there are plenty of ways to do that in NYC and beyond. Beautiful beaches beckon like Short Beach Park in Connecticut and Cape May in New Jersey, as do fun-filled festivals like the New Jersey State Fair at the Meadowlands, which kicks off this weekend. Or how about a day trip to a nearby theme park like these family favorites on Long Island or New Jersey's brand-new Diggerland USA? If you're looking for a longer getaway, Pennsylvania's Dutch Wonderland, which recently opened a new Exploration Island dinosaur attraction, is a great weekend trip and Asheville, North Carolina makes for an awesome vacation destination.

Speaking of dinos, seeing Walking with Dinosaurs - the Arena Spectacular at Brooklyn's Barclays Center in July is also on my family's list of must-do summer activities. This week, we're giving away a family four-pack to the show and even if you don't win, we've got a discount on tickets to select performances, too.

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

Celebrate the Summer Solstice this weekend with a wide array of fun events for families in and around Westchester. The big headliner of the weekend, and one of our top picks for June, is the annual Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival—the first since the death of beloved founder Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi. Other fairs and festivals this weekend include the Palisades Fair, the Holy Rosary Church Annual Bazaar and the African American Heritage Celebration.

Two performances this weekend allow optional audience participation: Bring your own brass to jam with Latin Meets Jazz Workshop and Jam Session, and teens can perform in an annual Teen Talent Show. Even if performing isn’t for you, both of these events are equally suitable for spectators.

More of our top picks are below. For more details, click through to the event listing. Also, don't forget to check out the other great weekend events we’ve captured-–plus tons of weekday events--on our Events Calendar. And if you haven't done so already, sign up for our weekly newsletter--it's FREE!

For some, this weekend is the beginning of summer break, yet others will have a wait a few more days. Either way it's the weekend and we have a growing list of things to do, see, pet, ride, etc.

Shake a tail feather at the Dolphin Dance Party at the Whaling Museum or embark on a guided nature walk at Sagamore Hill for a fun game of I Spy. Or enjoy outdoor sports and activities at the Heckscher Festival.

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

Well look at what the sun is up to! Staying out super late, giving us the longest day of the year (and shortest night), and all around putting the sol back in solstice. Our favorite star is leaving no doubt that summer is here.  (And in case you needed any reminders, how about the seemingly endless stream of outdoor concerts and moonlit movie screenings that pop up for the season.)

Though why you would need a reminder with your kids lazing around the house filling your days with sunshine is beyond me. You can fill their days with sunshine (and water play and bike rides) with the sweet summer activities listed in our Summer Fun Guide. 

Those school-less Mondays through Fridays are going to leave you with a lot more hours to enrich. Hey, what’s that Mommy Poppins has in our magic bag of tricks? Ho ho here you go: our new weekly feature that highlights the best of our, say what, Monday to Friday events. It’s like we read your mind.

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks for this weekend...

My kids finished school for the year on Wednesday, and believe it or not, I've already heard a few choruses of "I'm bored." The pressure is on to make the summer fun begin--the sooner the better! Our CT Summer Fun Guide will provide lots of great tips to keep everyone happy this summer. This weekend we're hoping to fit in some strawberry picking (with weather as warm as it was this week, the berries won't stick around for long) and some beach time. If you need some inspiration, check out our guides to affordable beaches and learn-to-sail or learn-to-row programs in Fairfield County. Our CT Beach and Water Fun Guide has loads of great ideas for every area in CT. You'll be sure to find some way to hit the water that appeals to the whole family.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest in order to get updates on events, contests, and free giveaways. Our event calendar is updated constantly with the best activities around the state. Make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you won't miss a thing!

Have a great weekend!

This Saturday is the longest day of 2014, and there are plenty of ways you can celebrate the Summer Solstice in the Boston area. Go stargazing in Cambridge, enjoy a bonfire in Topsfield, and eat ice cream in Walpole. Strawberry lovers have lots of opportunities to celebrate with strawberry festivals this weekend and enjoy the peak of strawberry picking season at Boston area farms. Sports fans can check out the free skateboarding demonstration outside the Children's Museum or watch the Red Sox on the big screen at Franklin Park. And this weekend in theater, we have The Wind in the Willows at the Wellesley Summer Theater Company, and closing weekend for South Pacific and Harlequin Mother Goose: A Higgledly Piggledy Panto. The Juneteenth celebrations also continue through the weekend. 

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

• For summer fun on a budget, Tara updates 50 Free Things to Do in Boston with Kids This Summer for 2014 and brings us the latest on free summer concerts in the Boston area.
• Karyn teaches us 50 simple science experiments to do with kids (and yes, you can try them at home!)
• Our Wee Work series gives instructions for Corn Husk Paper and Two Ingredient Ice Cream Muffins.

Enjoy the first official weekend of summer and be sure to check out our calendar for fun events happening all summer long.

I will never forget my first bike—it was a yellow Schwinn with pink ribbons around the handlebars. My patient father showed me how to cycle around our suburban New York neighborhood when I was seven! New Jersey is a very active state for bike enthusiasts of all ages. Below is a list of bike shops in New Jersey that sell bikes for girls and boys of all ages—with and without training wheels. And, of course, do NOT forget your helmets when bike riding with family and friendly. Safety first; no exceptions! For even more summer awesomeness, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.