Hot summer days often have us running toward refreshing bodies of water, and if the ocean is out of reach, for outdoor water fun in the Hartford area, not only are there many splash parks and public pools in the area, but you can also get in touch with nature and take a refreshing dip in one of the local lakes, ponds, or rivers. Grab towels, pack the sunblock and water goggles, (don't forget the kids!) and have a fantastic day.

What would happen if you took every slip-n-slide in your neighborhood and attached them together?

Seeking to answer that age-old childhood question, Sack Lunch Productions is bringing its massive inflatable slip -n-slide here to the Hudson Valley for one day only.

We have everything you need to know about this crazy summer event. Looking for more ways to spend your summer? Consult our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

Who among us was not inspired by the Final Five (or, for the parental set, by the age-defying Oksana Chusovitina) in Rio? My daughter hung up her leotard long ago, but I couldn't help but smile when I saw her walking on the curb as if it were a balance beam and flashing her best Simone Biles-like grin.

Happily, there are many programs in Fairfield County that offer gymnastics at all levels, from elite competitive teams to Mommy and Me recreational classes for children as young as 12 months. Be sure to check out our complete guide to classes in Fairfield County, CT.

Now and then you need just a really good, crafty indoor activity with the kiddos. In winter, after we’ve skated indoors and outdoors, sledded, and tried winter sports, we are ready to head inside. The same is true for summer days! After hours of fishing, kayaking and hiking, my kids are ready for some good hands-on craft time. Even with a list of great indoor play places, sometimes the kids need an activity that's a little more relaxing. For this, any of the numerous paint your own pottery studios in the Hartford area or Fairfield County area fit the bill.

Martha's Vineyard is a place out of time. Celebrities and presidents vacation alongside ordinary folks who populate the island year-round. Elegant boutiques share sidewalks with rusty bait shacks. You won't find water parks or go-karts, but there's still plenty to do with kids on this island off the coast of Cape Cod. Many of the highlights of your stay will be local fairs, parades, and even ball games that tend to bring the community together. Or you may just choose to lounge on the magnificent beaches and sample cold treats from the local ice cream stand. Every family will soak up the island culture in its own way, but here are 50 ways we're pretty sure you can't go wrong when vacationing on the Vineyard. 

I've always found plenty to love about SoCal's fun-filled brick wonderland, but Legoland's new water park expansion this summer adds one more reason to visit. Surfer's Cove is a whole new section, upgrading the seasonal attraction from a park add-on to a summer experience worthy of a visit all its own. The new area brings more slides, more waves, and more ways to get wet for kids of all ages. Could you fit all of Legoland's action into one day? Anything's possible, but the bigger, better water park makes a family want to take advantage of one of the many deals that include keeping the fun going all weekend or all year.

Something magical has come to Morganville, NJ: Magic Sky Play, a new indoor play facility for young children (8 and under). 

Magic Sky is a 2017 Mommy Poppins Bestie Awards Winner, for good reason. Its bright, open layout and creative activities are perfectly suited to a young child's imagination (and the needs of his or her parent). I recently visited with my 6- and 3-year-olds, and we had a blast exploring this sweet new spot.