With school supplies evolving from the Trapper Keepers and Scooby Doo lunch boxes of our childhoods to pricey tablets and fancy headphones, savvy parents' money-saving tips and tricks for back-to-school shopping have also come a long way. And, after spending far too much of the last few summers clipping coupons and hunting for promo codes myself to tackle expensive supply lists, cash back apps are one modern-day hack I'm totally adding to my shopping arsenal this year.

Now, with programs like Ibotta, you can download a free app or browser extension, create an account, and immediately start earning cash when you shop online or in-store. By saving special offers to the app, syncing your online shopping accounts, or even submitting photos of receipts after an in-person shopping trip, there are a number of ways to earn cash back on your purchases with minimal extra effort. Plus, the network of participating partners is so huge—including popular retailers like Walmart, CVS, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walgreens, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s—that I truly can't believe I haven't been using this rewards program all along.

Now, to take some of the stress out of tackling long school supply lists at a time when so many families could use a little extra support, Ibotta is offering 100% cash back on select learning essentials and groceries on top of the usual savings. Read on to learn more about Ibotta's cash back app, and find out how to secure your free gear before it's time to pack up those backpacks.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia offers endless adventures for the entire family: from the magical carousel to heart-pumping roller coasters, there's an activity for everyone. Although it was a scorching hot 100-degrees for our recent visit, my husband and our three children (ages 6, 10, and 13) plus their grandmother, all had a wonderful time! It's a great place to create memories together—you just need a good game plan. Below are my tips for planning a visit to make sure your whole crew has a wonderful day.

For more inside tips and tricks to enjoying all the best theme parks and water parks in SoCal (including how to get discounted tickets to all the amusement parks!), check out our guides to Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland California, and more.

Sometimes all you want to do during New York's hot and humid summer is lounge around a pool all day. While New York has plenty of FREE public swimming pools, the rules can be overbearing, and it's nice to have some options that offer more amenities. At these beach clubs and private pools, you'll find extras like food, lounge chairs, cabanas, beach access, and amazing views. We've rounded up seven outdoor, family-friendly swimming pools offering day passes, and we even include a trio of state park pools to deliver big fun without breaking the bank. Find more cool options for the season in our Summer Fun Guide.

Young paleontologists no longer have to trek into the city to get a dose of dinosaurs. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre has long enchanted us with its exhibits featuring fossils, models, and live animals. New for summer 2021, it's added brand new dinosaurs—including animatronic models—and more interactive features.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more fun places to explore in our Guide to Museums for Long Island Kids.

The route is mapped out, the car is gassed (or charged) up, and endless interstate adventures are waiting for you at every toll booth. Road trips with kids can mean miles of smiles, or miles of boredom, tummy aches, and constant refrains of “are we there yet.” We much prefer the former, so we’re relying on these road trip essentials to keep the whole gang happy for hours on the highway.

In a pinch, don't forget about these old-school road trip games you probably played in the backseat, too. 'I Spy,' anyone? License Plate game?

Houston has a long list of major attractions to visit with kids, but spending all that cash on admission tickets can add up fast. Luckily, many of the best places to visit offer FREE admission for kids under a certain age. This comes in super handy for families with kids of multiple ages. Whether you want to see animals up close at the zoo, head to a museum, or see a Houston-area landmark like the San Jacinto Monument or Space Center Houston, you can save some money by taking your kids to one of these amazing places.

And even if your kids are past the age when their admission is free, there are plenty of times when local museums offer FREE admission on select days.

Ropes courses, adventure parks and zip lines abound for big kids near Long Island, but did you know there's a tot-sized destination perfect for preschool thrill-seekers? Located on the grounds of The Adventure Park at Long Island, you'll find The Adventure Playground, a miniature version of the action-packed attraction where kids ages 3-6 can scale ropes, traverse log bridges, and even zip line.

This destination is a step up from your typical toddler playground, and its location, nestled in the woods, lends it some cool cred, while allowing tiny climbers to safely explore. Read on for details on our visit and find more outdoor destinations in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island.

Situated on the Long Island Sound, the town of Mamaroneck offers waterfront recreation and a hearty downtown, all of it walkable and destination-worthy. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, this desirable suburban community, encompassing the villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont, packs plenty of family-friendly things to do.

The primary artery of Mamaroneck's business district is L-shaped: Mamaroneck Avenue, or the Avenue to locals, runs east to west and is loaded with shops and multicultural eateries. It intersects with Boston Post Road, which runs north to south along the Long Island Sound. While new businesses frequently arrive, a fair number have been entrenched for 50 to 100 years. The Mamaroneck Recreation Department offers inventive family programming year-round, and its harborfront park provides tons of summertime fun.

Read on for our favorite things to do in this charming waterfront town and find highlights of other local spots in our Guide to the Best Places to Live in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.