Openings... only! No more having to buy overpriced bottled water on Governors Island. For the first time since it opened to the public, the isle now has drinking fountains, one at Liggett Terrace and the other near Yankee Pier. (Previously the island had running, but non-potable, water.) Additional fountains are scheduled to be erected throughout the summer, including one in Building 110 (which has those flush toilets).

Staten Island's Cedar Grove Beach, which was closed due to Hurricane Sandy-related repairs, has reopened so let the swimming and sunbathing commence! Meanwhile, we're still waiting for a firm opening date for another Staten Island summer attraction, the Fantasy Shore amusement park at nearby Midland Beach so stay tuned.

A new reason to take a day trip to Roosevelt Island. Starting this Sunday, June 29, this isle will host an open-air food market on the recently reopened (and renamed) Eleanor's Pier. The kickoff will feature just a taste of what's to come and the market will go whole hog (as it were) over the July 4 weekend. It remains open Fridays through Sundays noon to 9pm through September 21.

The Museum at Eldridge Street recently opened a new visitor center and permanent exhibition that chronicles the history of the building, from its founding as a synagogue in 1887 to its painstaking and expensive restoration. While it's a hands-off experience, it's worth a look, especially if you're thinking about trying ones of the museum's more interactive programs, like the All of a Kind Family walking tour inspired by Sydney Taylor's book series, which is coming up on Sunday, July 13. 

Cool for kids: must-see concert and comic con While there are certainly plenty of FREE family concerts this summer, others are worth paying for, like the annual Arthur Ashe Kids' Day on Saturday, August 23. The family kickoff to the U.S. Open features FREE tennis clinics, game play and face time with the pros, along with a ticketed concert starring real up-and-comers. Even though the lineup has yet to be released, tickets are on sale and going fast, probably because past performers include Carly Rae Jepsen, Justin Bieber, Jordin Sparks, Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers before they became superstars. If you're looking to catch the next big thing, this concert is a good bet, and tickets start at a reasonable $26.

Meanwhile, looking even further ahead, the annual four-day New York Comic-Con at the Jacob Javits Center is transforming into a ten-day experience from October 3 to 12 that takes place at venues throughout the five boroughs. Dubbed New York Super Week, the fest features concerts, comedy shows, gaming events, lectures, podcasts, storytelling and more, only some of which are appropriate for families. You can find the complete lineup and buy individual tickets on the website.

A special show for special kids Inspired by the autism-friendly performances of select Broadway shows, the New York Musical Theatre Festival, in conjunction with Theatre Development Fund's Autism Theatre Initiative, is offering special needs-friendly performances of two family musicals: The Snow Queen and Rescue Rue on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, respectively. Both productions will lower the volume and lights, and there will be trained specialists in the lobby in case kids need to take a break during the show. Tickets are $25 and include one fidget toy per seat.

Fall back School may be (almost) out for the summer but school news keeps coming. One developing story we're following closely: A change in NYC public school hours come this September. The new teachers union contract requires the removal of 150 minutes a week of tutoring (the time will now be used for professional development). So schools that added that time back in 2005 might shorten their days. However, my son reports that he's been told his high-school day may become longer by 15 minutes. Parents at many schools have received notices about new start times that have created a bit of a to-do. Other parents haven't heard a peep. What do you think? Should your child's school day be longer? Shorter? I guess we'll all find out at some point before the first day of school on September 4.

From the duh file We all know being a parent is hard work, which is why it was nice to hear President Obama publicly acknowledge that U.S. companies should offer paid maternity leave at the White House Summit on Working Families. While some businesses give it, the 1993 Family Medical Leave Act doesn't cover childbirth. It's sad we're still talking about this when it's already a right in most of the rest of the industrialized world. If this is where we stand on paid maternity leave, we guess paid paternity leave is out of the question, huh?