Summer is here and that means plenty of time for fun in the sun.

The East End of Long Island offers a number of beaches for kids to romp in the sand and splash in the waves. But if your kids also enjoy climbing and sliding, try these six beaches that feature playgrounds in the area. And for more East End fun, take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

For an Islandwide look at the best beach playgrounds, see our list of these entertaining options.

Located in the center of Connecticut, New Britain is a city rooted in manufacturing and industry, leaving some to wonder what family-friendly activities can be found in this Hartford area community. However, with a little exploring, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all it has to offer. A variety of kid-friendly spots waiting to be explored include places to play and enjoy nature, opportunities to discover and create art, try out some old-fashioned soda, and gaze at the stars. 

When looking to host a baby shower in Westchester, there are lots of options throughout the county, from high-end halls to outdoor venues with a more casual vibe. But what if the shower is for a soon-to-be-parent who’s hoping for the event to be more of a family affair? Whether the invite list includes siblings, younger cousins or friends’ little ones, there are a number of places that are great for both adults and kids—and ensure everyone will have a good time.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few restaurants that fit the bill. And if you’re looking for even more restaurants where you can take the whole family, check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Something tells me it's all happening at the zoo, particularly when it comes to teaching kids about conservation. While most Earth Day celebrations are limited to a single day, the LA Zoo extends its Wild For the Planet through four weekends.

There's a new option in Westchester for watching those summer blockbusters or going on a date night: iPic Theaters in Dobbs Ferry.

The eight-screen luxury movie theater is the newest in a chain of iPic Theaters throughout the country—and the first of its kind here in Westchester. With other nearby locations in Manhattan and Fort Lee, N.J., the Dobbs Ferry theater marks the company’s 16th location and is set to open on Friday, May 5.

We received a first-hand sneak peek at this upscale—but family friendly—theater. Looking for even more fun places to visit this spring? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

After a long winter, even a cold-weather fan looks forward to the hot, lazy days of summer. There are few things we love more than a fun-filled summer fair, and it's just about that time of year. So, grab the calendar, pack the sunscreen, and put on your most comfortable shoes because it's festival time! Can you smell the fried dough already?

Want more? We've got roundups of festivals and fairs in Hartford County and New Haven County, too, as well as free concert series in Fairfield County.

Celebrating mom with a special brunch is a time-honored tradition. This year we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite Brooklyn restaurants, where the food is outstanding and the vibe is special yet still family friendly. Mark your calendars: Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14.

Each of our picks serves a standout brunch—and offers high chairs. Be sure to reserve or show up early as these spots fill up quickly. If you’ve got young kids in tow, consider packing a few snacks and small toys to keep them busy while you wait to be seated.

Need more ideas? Check out our suggestions for Mother's Day brunch in Manhattan or in Queens.

About 4,200 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean, you will find a country defined by delicious cuisine, lively music, and rich traditions. Of course, you can forgo a passport and save yourself the $1,500 airfare by enjoying an all-Polish experience in the heart of New Britain. Since most children are always up for adventure, they will likely enjoy peeking into another culture, trying to make sense of foreign labels, tasting new foods, and perhaps learning a few words in a new language.