When you think of National Parks you probably think of places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and other parklands out west. But did you know . there are actually 10 National Parks in New York City and Northern NJ, and over 30 historic sites, parks, monuments, trails, memorials, and heritage areas right here in New York State?

This week (to April 25) is National Park Week, and all 392 National Parks offer free admission in celebration of "America's Best Idea" so it's a perfect opportunity to check out some of these awesome destinations with your kids. (Tours and other fees may still apply).

Read on for everything you need to know for a family-friendly, historic, and beautiful visit to these local gems.

I love to read and most of my adult life have been in one – sometimes two – book groups.  There seems to be a under the radar trend in the city right now where girls and their mothers are starting book groups together, possibly spurred on by the popular middle grade book series: The Mother-Daughter Book Club , about a group of girls reading Little Women along with their mothers. 

There are quite a few book groups or reading clubs already established in New York City - for practically every age.  Read on to find out where and when and for our tips on starting a reading group for your child (with mommy or without.)

Sometimes you don't need a better reason to get outside than to just enjoy the beautfiul nature that CAN be found even here in New York City. Once kids get out among the flowers, grass and trees they don't need an activity, somehow they find ways to entertain themselves. And for parents, it's a refreshing change of pace from all those kid activities to just enjoy the natural beauty of Spring's flowers in bloom.

But time is running out to catch some of the more dramatic Spring displays before they're gone for another year. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy nature's bounty this Spring:

Last week we wrote about going to a Mets or Yankees game with a baby . Of course, going to a major league baseball game is a huge expense. Tickets for a family quickly get very expensive and that’s just the beginning with more money for overpriced food, ice cream and souvenirs. And with a child meltdown (if not from fear, then from boredom), all of that money can seem like a waste.

A better alternative is to take your family to a minor league game. The minor league stadiums are smaller so children can see better (and not be as terrified by the height of the stadium); there are also entertaining mascots and lots of promotional giveaways to entertain them. Tickets start as low as $10. And finally, the games are significantly shorter.

Forget Hallmark knick knacks and stuffed animals. New York City’s mamas have other things in mind. We have assembled a Mothers Day Gift Guide with the most wanted list of gift ideas and where to get them right here in New York City. No matter what your mommy (or your mommy's) style is, we have got you covered, from crafty lessons to chic accessories starting at just $5 on up to some serious splurges, but all sure to make mom smile.

Photograph of the Week: The new 20th Anniversary Pop-Up Version of Dr Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go has some pretty fun pages, but is it lame that I prefer the baby version, Oh, Baby! Go, Baby! which eliminates the dark side of the story and replaces it wih fun, tactile and optical interactive pages a toddler or baby will love?

Read on for the news this week, sales and store openings, event news, and my personal activity pick for every day of the week: