We’re changing the way we share news: opting for quick links to make it faster and easier for you to skim the latest scoop for NYC families. Want the news first? Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

If you weren’t lucky enough to score tickets for the first-ever ticker-tape parade for a women's athletic team, you still have a few more days to try to catch up with some free ice cream. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop (ha!) on this week’s school news, including a new school holiday, the closing bell to apply for public pre-K and why the mayor is mad about mayoral control of NYC schools. Your news by neighborhood includes a new play spot in Park Slope, how to shop Zabar's from home, a possible new home for FAO Schwarz and more.

It's official: the calendar says summer, even if my kids still have one more week of school. Once classes are out, they'll be looking for some fun entertainment, and we've got news of a lot of freebies! From a free museum festival to no-cost swimming lessons, complimentary circus performances and a school's out celebration at Luna Park, there are plenty of activities to banish summer boredom without emptying your pocketbook. And if you've got a wee one in Brooklyn, we have big news about a new public pre-K set to open.

One of the things I love most about living in upper Manhattan is the abundance of green spaces. But while we've got amphitheaters and ball fields galore, we've had a lack of renovated, state-of-the-art destination playgrounds. However, that's starting to change. I noticed a handful of local parks on the city's list for revitalization, but those projects are still in the works and I have three energetic kids to entertain, pronto. That's why I was thrilled when friends raved to me about the overhauled Nature Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park. My kids and I checked it out, and it did not disappoint! From a cool tree house to an exciting zip line, there are lots of exceptional attractions for kids, along with the usual fun play stuff.

Most independent schools are wrapping up the academic year this Friday, and while public school students still have a couple of weeks to go, summer is definitely on the horizon. Get ready for lazy mornings, later nights and more time to explore the city! We've got the scoop on a few cool new outdoor spaces to try, fresh museum exhibits to investigate and free classes to attend, as well as a popular play spot to avoid. Also, before you forget all about homework and grades, public school parents should take note that the DOE is launching a new online system to track student progress—so log on before you check out. 

My husband and I trekked to the top of the Empire State Building following our City Hall wedding, and we've hauled our entire family up to the Top of the Rock. So when the Freedom Tower unveiled One World Observatory, I jumped at the chance to be among the first to check out its stunning panoramic views.

Mother Nature seemingly didn't share my excitement, however, for we arrived at 10am to see that the top of One World Trade wasn't visible from the ground. Despite this downer, my toddler and I still headed for the entrance and all the way to the top.

Soaring temperatures send some people to the beach. For my family, a night at the ballpark is the ultimate summer outing. While big league tickets are pricey (someday I may have the extra cash lying around to purchase season tickets, but not this year), catching a minor league game is a much more affordable option.

Both the Yankees and Mets have farm teams in New York City. The Brooklyn Cyclones play their home games at MCU Park on the Coney Island Boardwalk, while the "Baby Bombers," aka the Staten Island Yankees, use Richmond County Ballpark as their home base. Both teams play short-season Class A ball from June to September. While you can expect to see decent ball, since the product on the field doesn't match Major League play, neither do the prices. Tickets range from $9 to $18! Once you're in the door, not only will you see a ballgame, but you'll also be privy to some silly entertainment, zany giveaways and crazy stunts. Often, baseball is just an afterthought. Here are 10 promotions planned to get fans of all ages through the minor league gates.

One of the most nerve-racking decisions we face as parents is figuring out whom to trust with our children when the time comes to head back to work or find a preschool. We want our babes to be in a nurturing and safe environment where all their needs are met, and someone really appreciates the wonderful, unique, amazingness of them. Families in the outer boroughs already know Mommy Poppins sponsor All My Children Daycare and Nursery School and its creative, individualized approach to group childcare; recently, the school opened a new location, making it possible for Manhattan and Lower East Side families to access its years of experience as well.

It's been a busy week in NYC, and I'm not just talking about my jam-packed, summer-is-almost-here calendar. There are a slew of change-ups to share, from a new supermarket chain coming to Brooklyn and the close of yet another longtime toy store, to a green lunchroom initiative for NYC public schools and an art project for the tunnel leading to the 191st street 1 subway station.