This Week: Summer Vacation Ideas, Diggerland USA & NY Hall of Science's Design Lab Open, Discount to Walking with Dinosaurs

6/12/14 - By Raven Snook

The countdown to the last day of school has begun—my daughter has been crossing out dates on the calendar with extra zeal. Over the past few weeks, we've gotten a jump on all of the FREE fun summer has on tap by visiting the just-opened Interactive Sculpture Garden and mini-golf course on Governors Island, and enjoying no-cost outdoor movies, kids' concerts and festivals.

If you're planning a NYC staycation this season like we are, you'll find plenty of things to amuse the whole family in our Summer Guide. However, if you're hoping for a vacation or two, our Travel site has in-depth posts about family-friendly travel spots around the country, like our just-published profile of laid-back California beach town Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as international destinations like Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort in the Caribbean. Looking for a getaway that doesn't involve a plane ride? Our tri-state area sites are full of ideas, like the brand-new construction-themed amusement park Diggerland in New Jersey, the quaint waterside town of Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Long Island's activity-packed East End. With all of these cool possibilities, I think I may be as impatient for summer break to arrive as my daughter.

Here's what else we covered in NYC this week:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Our comprehensive list of FREE outdoor movie series includes lots of family-friendly films, including multiple places to catch Frozen alfresco.

We highlighted the top ten new museum exhibits for families like a display of live spiders at the American Museum of Natural History and the interactive Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. The Exhibition which just opened at Discovery Times Square.

Speaking of museums, the New York Hall of Science in Queens recently debuted its hands-on Design Lab, which is a great place for kids to invent high- and low-tech creations.

We had a blast trying out the unique rides and attractions at the brand-new, construction-themed amusement park Diggerland USA in northern New Jersey.

We also posted a Governors Island slide show featuring pics of all of the new attractions: the Interactive Sculpture Garden, the mini-golf course, all those red hammocks and the kids' play areas.

Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular hits Barclays Center this July and we've got a preview and an exclusive discount on tickets.

Our biweekly news post included info on how to snag a pre-K seat, a Luna Park discount for students with good grades and an exciting Time for Kids reporter contest.

If you're considering relocating in NYC, one of our bloggers makes a great case for moving to the amenity-filled Waterside Plaza on Manhattan's East River.

This week's WeeWork projects included spiffy pencil holders and mugs, perfect homemade gifts for teachers or Father's Day.

Best bets for Father's Day weekend include the New York Botanical Garden's Big Backyard BBQ & Music Festival, a giant Bubble Battle in Union Square Park and Celebrate Brooklyn!'s annual family concert in Prospect Park.