Openings, closing & delays There's a new merry-go-round turning at the Staten Island Zoo. Housed inside a glass pavilion, the Conservation Carousel features two-dozen endangered creatures to ride, including a Komodo dragon, a koala, a rhinoceros, a polar bear and a Tamandua, all handcrafted out of wood by Ohio-based Carousels & Carvings. In addition, there's a designated handicapped-accessible space and a separate seat for tiny riders under 75 pounds in the shape of a flamingo.

Although not aimed at kids (and perhaps a bit macabre for some families), budding goths should love the recently opened Morbid Anatomy Museum in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Filled with artifacts that deal with death from a wide variety of cultures, the 4,200-square-foot space features everything from taxidermy to postmortem vintage photography to mourning jewelry to death masks. The Times has an in-depth article about the museum, which also hosts events, including occasional programs for children, like the upcoming FREE Kid’s Anatomy Workshop on Sunday, July 20. There's a cafe, too, if you've got the stomach for it.

If your kids have been holding their breath until the reported July debut of the massive new Lego Store in the Flatiron District, tell them let it out. We've just been told that the grand opening has been delayed until early fall but the shop should open for business a few weeks prior. Since our kids are also obsessed with Legos, we'll be sure to keep you posted.

As we predicted a few months back, Bowlmor Union Square has officially closed and its building will soon be demolished to make way for shiny new condos. While NYC has lots of other bowling alleys (including other Bowlmors in Times Square and at Chelsea Piers), the Union Square location originally opened in 1938 and was Manhattan's oldest alley! So it's definitely a big loss. Plus it had an indoor mini-golf course.

And while we don't usually lament the closing of a chain, we are sad to see Crumbs Bake Shop go since it was originally founded by an Upper West Side couple and had lots of locations in NYC. Then again, there's no dearth of cupcakes in this town.

Helping kids in need The annual Operation Backpack kicks off this coming Monday, July 14. The drive collects knapsacks and school supplies for children living in NYC’s homeless and domestic violence shelters. Find out which supplies are needed across all grade levels and stuff a backpack or two. You can drop them off at any Duane Reade store in the five boroughs from July 14 to August 8. (If you prefer, you can make a monetary donation at any Duane Reade register from July 13 to 26.) It's a great way to get your children involved in helping others while you shop for your own family's school supplies. (Yes I realize summer break just started but the first day will be here before you know it!)

Interactive fun for the whole family In the spirit of our SUMMER OF PLAY initiative, check out these offbeat family adventures. The CityParks Foundation’s FREE Get Up & Go! Family Adventure Races take place on successive Saturdays on Staten Island (July 26), Queens (August 2) and Manhattan (August 9). Open to families with children ages 8 to 13, these challenges include javelin throws, jump rope, basketball free throws, hurdles, a mini-climbing wall and a final team sprint. All teams must include one parent and up to two children. The top three winners will receive prizes, and everyone who crosses the finish line gets a T-shirt. Registration is required and all spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Would you crawl through Times Square for a chance to see yourself on a billboard? From Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27, multimedia artist Daniel Canogar is asking people of all ages to get down on their hands and knees for his latest project, Storming Times Square. Participants will scamper over a green-screen surface while being filmed by an overhead camera. After digital enhancements, excerpts of the footage will be shown throughout September as part of Midnight Moment in Times Square.

And while summer is generally considered a season for outdoor play, sometimes it's just too darn hot (or rainy or humid) to be outside. If you're looking for cool indoor activities, considering logging on to Maker Camp, a FREE online summer program for families that like to build, tinker and explore. Co-created by Google and Make (the folks behind the annual Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science), Maker Camp features a new DIY project every morning for you to try at home, and afternoon virtual Hangouts with professional makers who chat about their creations. Interested in checking it out with your kids? Follow this page to get started.

Your moment of "awww..." The New York Aquarium recently announced the birth of a harbor seal pup, only the second one born there in 15 years. He'll be sharing his Coney Island home with penguins, sea otters, sea lions and walruses, so if you're in the mood for some newborn cuteness (not to mention summertime air conditioning), stop by! The Aquarium is still only partially open due to Hurricane Sandy damage. Your visit can help fund the rebuilding efforts!

Photo Credits: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS / Staten Island Zoo