It was a big week in my household as we celebrated my daughter's ninth birthday—twice (and we have one more party coming up at my mother-in-law's this Saturday. Remember when kids just got one bash?). Of course, summer birthdays can be a bit of a drag since so many friends are away. But we've been making up for it by getting the most out of the waning season, and we've got some fun trips planned to water theme parks, Coney Island and even Martha's Vineyard.

Speaking of isles off Massachusetts, our Boston site just published posts about the best things to do with kids on Georges Island and Spectacle Island, two historic Governors Island-like spots that are worth exploring if you're visiting Beantown. Want to go even further? On our Travel site you'll find a roundup of the best summer activities for kids in Burlington, Vermont and reviews of two VT resorts offering cool summer getaway packages. We've got closer day trip ideas, too: Our Long Island site recently spotlighted seven spots to get face time with animals in the Hamptons and Westchester profiled historic mansions with interactive activities for families.

While you're having all this fun, don't forget to share photos of your family on social media to be entered to win our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE grand prize: All the fixings to host the Ultimate Summer of Play Bash, including a $200 gift card for Imagine Toys, a $100 gift card for Big Dot of Happiness for custom party tableware, banners and favors, and delicious organic snacks from Kind, Ella's Kitchen and Earth's Best. We're picking our big winner next week so it's your last chance!

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week: