Summer break is starting a few days early for some public school kids. Since no snow days were used this year, many public schools have opted to cancel the final two full days of class to use as staff development days, which is quite an annoyance for working parents. That final half day on Wednesday, June 27 is still on, though... assuming anyone shows up.

Speaking of schools, two dozen struggling ones are being re-branded with new names and agendas starting this fall. What's in a name? Clearly the Department of Ed is hoping a lot.

Earlier this week we told you about 30 cool festivals and fairs coming up in June. However, one of our annual favorites, Children's Day at the South Street Seaport, wasn't on the list. That's because the organizers have moved the popular family event to late September.

Thursday, June 7 marks the kick off of Summer Reading 2012, and since public schools are closed that day (yes, again), families can celebrate at New York City's fabulous libraries. The Brooklyn Public Library is planning a big shindig at its central branch featuring live music from the Itty Biddies, eco-friendly shows from Wildlife Theater, family Zumba, face painting, crafts and giveaways, plus summer reading booklists. The New York Public Library is hosting a bunch of small events at multiple locations and we're still waiting to hear what the Queens Library is doing. You can find more info about Summer Reading on the official website.

Last summer we posted about one of our favorite water play areas, Pier 84 in Hudson River Park. Now we hear that the fountain that's the centerpiece of this great cool off spot won't reopen this summer due to water filtration issues. Sounds like Hell's Kitchen just got a little hotter.

Popular summer spot Rockaway Beach is down to a single area hospital. So you and your family will want to be even safer out there in the surf.

Dan Zanes has conquered the worlds of music, theater and TV. Now, he brings his signature flair to your dining room table with a new set of Zanes-inspired dishes available at Fishs Eddy. In honor of the launch, the Grammy winner will host a free dance party at the Flatiron District store this Saturday, June 2 at 11am.

Fresh Direct is now delivering to all zip codes in the Bronx. New Bronx customers can use the code BXMOMS2012 to save $25 off their first order of $99 or more through September 30.

Want to give your little pop star a shot at belting out “American the Beautiful” in Flushing Meadows this summer? Bring the kid to the U.S. Open 2012 casting call at Harlem's Apollo Theater on Tuesday, June 19 to audition.

Kids can learn a lot from managing a lemonade stand. Budding entrepreneurs who register for the free Lemonade Day NYC on Sunday, June 3 will receive a backpack with a workbook featuring lessons on creating budgets, serving customers and giving back to the community.

The South Street Seaport Museum's historic schooner Pioneer has finally set sail again after bring grounded for more than a year. Two-hour public cruises on the 127-year-old vessel are now being offered six days a week.