Submitted by Laura J on
The official start to summer is still ten days away, but this August-like weather has us all stripping down to our bathing suits already. With barbecues, summer camping trips and dips in the lake, the lazy days of summer can throw a wrench into our health routines. Staying safe and smart is sometimes easier said than done. Here are some helpful tips and valuable website links to start your summer out right!
Submitted by Alina Adams on
When kids learn about the history of slavery in the United States of America, it is, of course, taught with a great deal of gravitas. But this month, New York City families can experience the jubilation of emancipation at various Juneteenth celebrations that commemorate the abolition of slavery.
A combination of the words June and nineteenth, the holiday of African-American independence dates back to June 19, 1865, when Civil War General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to claim the state for the Union and make sure the slaves were freed. (This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, believe it or not.) As of 2012, 41 states including New York recognize the occasion, and families can celebrate Juneteeth at various kid-friendly festivals and gatherings this month.
Submitted by Roberta B on
Wait, so you're still looking for summer camp? Evidently "wait" is your mantra. Well, waiting is about to pay off: we have a $250 gift certificate to share with one lucky procrastinator family! UCLA Family Commons in Santa Monica has every kind of summer camp imaginable - boys only, girls only, and little kids, too - and Mommy Poppins is giving away a $250 certificate to be applied to any week of camp. Read on for details - and don't forget to check out our other last minute summer camp deals, too!
Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on
All city parks offer a respite from the concrete jungle, but Barretto Point Park is truly an oasis in a desolate industrial area of the South Bronx. Located on the East River in Hunts Point, the 11-acre green space boasts incredible views, lush lawns and trees, a fishing pier, and even a tiny man-made beach.
Local families flock to the park to romp in its playground, bike, skate, or jog on its quiet paved paths, catch a performance at the amphitheater or swim in its Floating Pool. Although this once-secret park has started to attract visitors from other boroughs, it's a serious hike from the subway, and there really isn't much nearby. However, Barretto Point Park makes for a lovely outing, especially if you go when it's hosting a community celebration like this Saturday's annual Fish Parade and Summer Festival.
Submitted by Raven Snook on
We had a lot of time off from school this week to enjoy some of the cool summer attractions we've been posting about. We made funky music by touching the sculptures in Madison Square Park's interactive art installation Pet Sounds, and spent a lot of time playing at a few of our favorite water playgrounds. Considering many public schools recently cancelled the two final full days of classes, it looks like families will have even more time explore early summer fun. However, if you're a working parent in need of child care and aren't sure what you're going to do, check out our camp sale. Fifteen programs are offering discounts of up to 65% and many are in session that last week of June. Hurry: The deals end this Sunday.
If you're looking to take a day trip, our Connecticut site rounded up summer fairs and festivals in both Fairfield and Hartford Counties, and we've got more of the same on our New Jersey site. Many of the fests take place this weekend, including the famous Rubber Ducky Festival in NJ's Berkeley Heights. Here in NYC, a few free summer culture series kicked off this week, including Celebrate Brooklyn! and SummerStage, which is hosting its first Family Day in Brooklyn this Sunday.
Here's what else we shared this week on our NYC site.
Submitted by Tracy B on
Summertime….a reason to do everything and anything outside! Take advantage of New Jersey’s summer evenings and get out of the house for some culture, whether it be Shakespeare or a get-up-on-your-feet-and-dance musical. Pack a lovely summer picnic and enjoy a play in one of these local parks, outdoor theaters or fairgrounds.
Submitted by Denise on
Few things conjure up the magical memories of childhood as much as a carousel ride, and Nunley's Carousel, with its bumpy history, including its almost mythical rescue is no exception. The ride is set on Museum Row amid the Long Island Children's Museum, the Cradle of Aviation museum, and Nassau County Firefighter's Museum, there is simply no excuse not to saunter on over and go for a spin; again and again and again.
Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on
Boston-area families can find plenty of fun and free things to do this weekend. From Big Joe’s Storytelling Show at Barefoot Books in Concord and a performance of Little Red Riding Hood in Newburyport to the Dragon Boat Festival in Cambridge and a Food Truck Festival in Boston, the weekend is filled with festivals and celebrations.
Planning ahead for Father’s Day? We’ve rounded up some fun breakfast spots where dads can be treated to a great meal. And it’s still not too late to make your summer plans; check out part 2 of our last-minute summer camps series.
Read on for more of our weekend picks, and be sure to check our Events Calendar for more ideas.
