This Week: Father's Day Weekend Fun, Free Outdoor Movies, 4th of July Fireworks Cruises

Father's Day is the main event on all of our sites this week. Out in New Jersey, you can take dad hiking or for a swanky wine tasting; on Long Island activities include skydiving and sports; and in Connecticut there's a cool car show. Plus our Boston site shared four easy recipes kids can prepare for the man of the house.

Here in NYC, there are plenty of fun family events to choose from this weekend like National GeekDad Day at the New York Hall of Science and a Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. My family and I visited the isle for the first time this season just last weekend, and this year's sculpture garden and mini-golf course are really exceptional. Now located on the grassy Parade Grounds, the artwork is truly eye-popping, like a life-size Statue of Liberty head sticking out of the ground and a giant TV you can climb inside. Plus there's a giant treehouse with a slide, biking, strolling, picnicking and amazing views. Seems like the perfect Father's Day staycation.

Looking ahead to summer, which officially arrives next week, we rounded up the best free outdoor movie series for families and posted about 4th of July fireworks cruises. And if you're planning any big vacations over break, be sure to check our family travel site for a slew of awesome suggestions.

Here's what else we shared this week on our NYC site.

Long Island Kids' Activities June 16 and 17: Father's Day Weekend, and Strawberry, Barnyard Babies, and Green Festivals

This weekend is for the daddies, and there is lots to do with dear old Dad around town. There are all kinds of Father's Day celebrations, events, and activities (check out our Father's Day Activities guide for more things to do to celebrate Dad); a strawberry festival, a Baby Barnyard Animals Festival, and Port Jeff's Green Fest; a Princess Tea Party and a Pirate Festival; an ice cream social at the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery; and a concert on the lawn at the Planting Fields Arboretum. As as always, see our events calendar for even more fun activities happening on the Island this weekend.

Boston Area Farmers’ Markets are in Full Swing – June Openings

Summer is upon us, and the farmers’ markets in Boston and surrounding communities are truly in full swing. There’s something about the markets opening in June: They have a festival-like atmosphere, with friends catching up, colorful foods and plants everywhere, music, activities for kids, and delightful treats fit for any kind of summer celebration.

Read on for the 411 on five of our favorite markets, plus a secret or two to make your family’s market shopping experience even more fun.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Riverdale

Our month-long focus on Riverdale and the surrounding neighborhoods continues with a look at family-friendly restaurants in the area. While Riverdale is not exactly known as a foodie hot spot (unless you love pubs), there are some great places to eat with kids in tow. From Jewish deli staples like matzoh ball soup and stuffed cabbage to perfectly prepared burgers to the best carrot cake in New York City, here are our top spots for families to eat in Riverdale.

Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Father's Day Weekend June 16-17

It's all about you this weekend, Dad!  Time to roll out the red carpet because NJ has events that will put a smile on every fathers' face, be it a touch-a-truck fundraiser, airplane expo, Harbor festival or a day at the aquarium, or watching a historic baseball game in Hoboken. Or you can always pick another Father's Day event from our Mommy Poppins NJ article here. Read on for our top picks and remember you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

News: War on Junk Food, Broadway Kids' Audition and New Bronx Zoo Babies

With schools wrapping up their half days and blowing out the candles on those combo summertime birthday parties, we decided to keep the news short and sweet. Enjoy the start of summer break by cooing at a pair of baby lemurs, getting creative in the recently extended MoMA Material Lab, waiting in line so your kids can audition for a brand-new Broadway musical, and cheering (or booing, depending on your point of view) the war on junk food, which seems to be coming from all sides these days, not just Bloomberg.

Vacation Bible Schools on Long Island

With summer fast approaching, it's time to make plans for fun family trips and days out!  Or maybe the kids are asking for a day camp. But camp isn't always so affordable... A nice "solution" is to enroll your kids in a few vacation bible schools, informally known as VBSs.

5 Summer Health Tips for NJ Kids and Families

The official start to summer is still ten days away, but this August-like weather has us all stripping down to our bathing suits already. With barbecues, summer camping trips and dips in the lake, the lazy days of summer can throw a wrench into our health routines. Staying safe and smart is sometimes easier said than done. Here are some helpful tips and valuable website links to start your summer out right!

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