If you have a little adventure seeker that loves the outdoors and summer activities then you should head out onto the water and try out canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding. It could be an exciting new adventure to try out with the family this summer! There are a few choices to explore right here in Hartford County including a post we did about canoeing down the Farmington River. Excursion companies all over the state will take you out on exciting adventures.

You don't need to be a nerd to enjoy the World Science Festival, a five-day, multidisciplinary science celebration featuring plenty of programming for kids. In fact, its FREE Ultimate Science Street Fair is one of our favorite FREE annual festivals for families. This year, the organizers have made a number of changes to the fest and there are more hands-on science experiences for kids than ever before. Many of these events are FREE, and we have an exclusive discount for two of the most popular ticketed youth programs: Cool Jobs and Scientist's Apprentice.

More than 40 events are taking place at various NYC venues from Wednesday, May 28 to Sunday, June 1. In addition to the Ultimate Science Street Fair on the last day, there are several cool new attractions with lots of kid appeal, like a traveling NASA exhibit, a giant animated weather globe at NYU, a replica of a comet in Brooklyn Bridge Park, plus face time with real-life scientists and astronauts.

Here are the best things to do with kids at the 2014 World Science Festival:

This post is being updated for 2015. 

Kids love getting crafty, so what better way to encourage their creativity and emergent sense of style than with a beading birthday party? In store, in home or in a rented space, these beading businesses provide the materials and know-how to help the your budding designer and all of the birthday guests create stunning jewelry with a professional touch. Girls AND boys will love the special necklaces, earrings and bracelets they created themselves and you will love the ease with which the whole party comes together. 

Ok, let’s admit it: Boat parties are awesome. They’re unique, they’re memorable, they’re different. Good to know: Most party boat rentals involve some type of fishing. Not all, but some. And some just tool around the Statue of Liberty, which is cool enough on its own. Note: If your child is interested in a boat party, it’s strongly advised to strap them into a life preserver. Most marinas have life vests for children, but it may be wise to invest in a floatation device for every child. Here are six NJ-based marinas that offer some boat-riding fun for the whole family. And for more party awesomeness, check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

New moms should always remember that they are not alone! There's always another mom nearby also looking for a specific parenting course, or just hoping to meet another mom as cool--and perhaps as frazzled!--as they are. New Jersey is home to a wonderful array of really specialized baby classes and meet-ups such as adventures in baby-wearing, stroller fitness and more. Below is a list of some extra-special baby classes that may pique your interest.

The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is nearly here, which means lots of parades and backyard barbecues. But for those looking for something a little different, taking a day trip with the family can be the perfect way to get away while still staying close to home. We've created a list of 8 fun places to spend a day over Memorial Day weekend. And for more kid-friendly activities and events, be sure to check out our Long Island Calendar, as well as our roundup of Memorial Day Events.