There's no other way to say it: my 9-year-old is obsessed with Minecraft. OBSESSED. He plays the game on computer, iPad, or Xbox, depending on his companions. He watches the YouTube videos (carefully curated by me, of course). He wears the T-shirts. He reads the books (there are a surprising number of them, both fiction and nonfiction).

Admittedly, sometimes we struggle with screen-time boundaries, so I've been looking for ways that he can play Minecraft productively—or at least collaboratively—to keep us both happy. There are lots of educational Minecraft opportunities in Fairfield County. Many libraries offer free Minecraft clubs (though children are usually required to bring their own laptops), and some camps have themed sessions, too. For other after school and enrichment choices check out our Classes and Enrichment Guide.

Governors Island has long been one of our favorite places to play and the summer fun is about to get a lot more thrilling on the isle.

Adventures at Governors Island, a new high-octane entertainment zone boasting a zip line, 3-D climbing wall, and maze debuts this Memorial Day weekend (weather dependent), and we can't wait to check out the exhilarating attraction. Its opening will double the number of zip lines in NYC—to two.

The historic community of Northport lies on the north shore of Long Island. With its walkable Victorian Main Street, family-friendly restaurants, bars, shops, and theaters, it has become a destination for Long Islanders and visitors alike. Then of course, there are those beautiful views of the boats in Northport Bay. ...

And it's not just a summer destination. In the autumn, Northport hosts Halloween fun nights, and during the holiday season the community comes alive with holiday house tours and seasonal celebrations.

Here are our suggestions for 20 things to do and see in Northport with kids, and a few bonus picks for the surrounding areas.

Looking for more fun family day trips on Long Island? Check out our guide to the East End as well as must-do activities in Riverhead and Port Jefferson Village. Not sure where to go? These seven must-do day trips are a good place to start.

Summer is the perfect time to head outdoors for easy, cheap, and fun activities like free movies and concerts. Pack your chairs, a blanket, a picnic basket and the bug spray, and enjoy an afternoon or evening of free tunes. Here's our comprehensive list of the outdoor concerts happening in the Delaware Valley this summer.

For some of the more popular bands, the venues can get packed, so plan on arriving on the early side.

One thing about Los Angeles - it's not a one-parade town. If festivals are too stationary for you, if you need a parade to drum up an appetite for that Memorial Day BBQ, then you've got it made in the shade (as long as you've found a shady spot for your  chair) in Los Angeles and Orange County on Monday. The good news for the parade abstainers is that none of the parades on this holiday marches down a major thoroughfare (unless the 405 gets shut down - in which case Topanga is going to hear plenty of honking that isn't for peace). For parade fans, the patriotic fanfare never sounded so good.

Looking for Central NJ park outing that's more than just swings and slides? Make Colonial Park in Somerset, NJ, your next day trip destination. This sprawling, 685-acre park has activities to suit children and adults of all ages. Here are 10 ways to enjoy a day there. 

Pups! PAW Patrol is headed to the stage for a live national tour hitting 90 U.S. cities, including Houston, and tickets go on sale to the general public Monday, May 22, 2017. The hit Nickelodeon animated show featuring a pack of curious and adventure-loving dogs opens in November.

PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue, a Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group (the same folks behind Sesame Street Live) co-production, will rely on live actors in costumes, although producers tell us that it will also incorporate the popular Bunraku puppet styling. The “pups” will sing and dance on all four legs.

Read on for more details on this new brand-new children’s theater production.

Enjoying an outdoor movie under the stars should be on every family's summer bucket list in Philadelphia. Watching an alfresco film on a big screen is a relaxing way to spend a balmy evening with family and friends. Bonus: All of these flicks are free!

Films usually begin at dusk, but be sure to arrive early to stake out a good spot. Some series offer music or other live entertainment before the movie, and a few even provide free popcorn. So pack some snacks, a blanket (and bug spray, too), sit back, relax and enjoy the show at one of these outdoor summer movie series in or near Philadelphia.