Craft ice cream is all the rage across NYC, including in Queens, where new independent ice cream shops have opened and old favorites test out new ingredients like pretzel cones and exotic flavors. In the diverse borough of Queens, you'll find Peruvian-inspired cones at Creme & Sugar, all the fixings at NYC-fave Ample Hills, vintage appeal at Eddie's Sweet Shop, and even the trendy Thai-style rolled ice cream at the brand-new Snow Story shop.

So check out some of these Queens hot spots—or, shall we say, cold spots—to satisfy your sweet teeth before summer winds down.

We spend a lot of time helping you find the most affordable fun in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley, but we also know you and your kids deserve a splurge every now and then. If you’re looking to feel like a VIP, check out some of these local family-friendly splurges that are worth the extra price. Big bonus: Many of these high-end excursions are still cheaper than your run-of-the-mill equivalents in the city. 

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As if there were not already enough reasons to love Mystic, a new tea house opened in town, bringing with it some British deliciousness and an atmosphere sure to please any Alice in Wonderland fan – or anyone looking for a few sweet bites and a comforting cup of tea.

Long Island is definitely an expensive place to live, so when parents find ways to save money on their kids’ activities and experiences (or even better, do them for free), we jump at it. But there are a few things to do this summer that are worth that extra splurge. And for more ideas on what to do before school is back in session, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

When we near the Fall Classic, it means baseball season will be over for the year, and parents and kids look for ways to keep their head in the game. Luckily, New Jersey kids have more than a few options when it comes to playing baseball and softball during the cold winter months. We've put together a list of great New Jersey baseball schools that offer indoor lessons, leagues and clinics all year long. For even more fun indoor activities be sure to check out our Indoor Play and Activity Guide.

When you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive family outing, or even a play date, miniature golf is a great option. The activity encourages physical activity, stimulates conversation, improves hand-eye coordination, entices some friendly competition, and offers the opportunity for spending quality time with friends and family. Many courses in the Hartford area feature beautiful settings and have added features, like ice cream parlors or snacks, if you work up an appetite while playing. 

Today's kids lead busy lives; from school to sports to playdates, practically every moment of the school year is scheduled. So when summer finally rolls around, we can't think of a better way to take advantage of the downtime than to play together as a family—for free! Premium passes to Disneyland may not be in the cards for everyone, but there are still plenty of ways to stave off boredom in Orange County this summer.

From outdoor movies to free bowling to concerts at the park, The OC has plenty of ways to keep kids entertained, all without spending a dime. Here are 20 of our favorites.

The late great James Brown once said “The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.” From tap to jazz; ballet to funk; dance lessons are a wonderful way to express emotion while learning new skills. For those looking a bit outside of the "kids' dance class" box, ballroom dancing is a unique option that teaches children to respect one another and work together as partners. And don't forget to check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for NJ Kids!