Just because the kids are heading back to school doesn't mean the fun has to stop. In fact, September is one of the best months for FREE outdoor fun. There are a slew of alfresco festivals for families, including Brooklyn's biggest street fair, Atlantic Antic, the perfect-for-preschoolers West Side County Fair, and farm fun at the Queens County Fair, including the return of the Amazing Maize Maze, NYC's only corn maze.

Other September highlights include fun on the water with the Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition, Bay Ridge's costume-filled Ragamuffin Parade, and the annual Kids Fest at Madison Square Park. It's also the last chance to take a dip at one of NYC's FREE outdoor public pools and beaches, many of which are staying open through Sunday, September 8.

Plus, tickets go on sale September 3 for the Hudson Valley's best Halloween activity, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. (If you want to see Blaze, it is best to get your tickets now.) Read on for our 12 favorite things to do with kids in September in NYC, many of which are FREE.

We're suckers for a destination-worthy playground, but we also have big love for NYC's smaller neighborhood playgrounds. In a city like ours, a playground doesn't necessarily need an elaborate theme or deluxe play features to be a huge boon to the neighborhood. The newly renovated Ennis Playground in the heart of fast-changing Gowanus is one such gem. Ennis Playground reopened last month after an 11-month, $2.9 million renovation—here's a look at what's new.

As a Harlemite, the northern edge of Central Park has always held a special place in my heart. It's a little off the beaten path, far from the tourist draws in Midtown, but it's still teeming with activity and attractions, including one of our very favorite playgrounds, the East 110th Street Playground. This playground, which was completely rebuilt in 2013, is a prime romping spot for school-age kids, whether they are uptown residents or visitors to this scenic edge of the park.

There's a new game in town—actually, a whole slew of them—with the opening of Escape Virtuality in Chelsea, featuring two floors of immersive gaming and technology. Whether you're in the mood for classic, immersive VR games, have a taste for a wild ride, or want to tackle a brain-teasing escape room, grab your big kids and sense of adventure and give it a go. Read on for a look inside the new space and tips for what to expect (and play!) when you arrive.

No matter your political leanings, immigration is a hot topic of conversation these days, and New York has a rich and ongoing history as a gateway to our country. We've combed through our city's top museums and cultural institutions to pinpoint some of the most kid-friendly destinations for those curious about the immigrant experience, or looking to teach children about diversity and cultural acceptance.

Of course NYC often plays host to rotating art exhibits related to this theme, which you can always find in our event calendar. Read on for ten NYC spots where history leaps off the pages for interactive exploration.

While some New Yorkers like to skip town in August, there's tons of must-do summer fun left if you're sticking around for a staycation, including the summer's last FREE outdoor movies and summer family festivals. There's something FREE to do every day in August, and plenty of time to tick off a few more items on your NYC summer bucket list before fall.

Our top family event picks for August include annual favorites like Manhattan's car-free but activity-filled Summer Streets, the incredible Sand Sculpting Contest in Coney Island, and the colorful Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Find more fun things to do in our continually updated NYC Event Calendar.

Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side is a jewel of an urban green space. Nestled between East End Avenue and the East River, the 15-acre waterfront park spans six city blocks. While it can't match the Upper East Side's other big green space, Central Park, in size, Carl Schurz Park is charming in its own right with lovely arched bridges, wide paved waterfront walkways, flower-filled gardens, lush landscaping, towering old shade-producing trees, an iconic statue, a perpetually busy playground, and equally packed events calendar.

It's not surprising Carl Schurz has so much in common with Central Park: It was masterminded in 1902 by none other than Calvert Vaux (half of the duo that created Central Park and Prospect Park). Carl Schurz also has one attraction no other NYC park will ever have: The historic Gracie Mansion, which is home to New York City's mayor.

Here are 10 fun things to do in this jewel of a green space no matter the season.

Welcome to the first full month of summer! Our monthly GoList of the absolute best things to do with kids throughout July includes some of our favorite FREE annual events—happenings my family and I mark on our calendar every year. Enjoy the always FREE Fourth of July fireworks spectacle and no-cost boat rides thanks to City of Water Day. There's also Bastille Day on East 60th Street, Come Out & Play Family Day, and the  — all are FREE, too!

In addition to family-friendly festivals, we're also looking forward to some spectacular performing arts—from dance to theater to music—as well as the world's biggest bounce house, so get your calendars ready! Here are the top 18 things to do with kids in New York City this July—most of which are 100% FREE.