When my husband and I decided to start a family, there was only one place we knew we wanted to raise our kids: Long Island. From top-rated schools and doctors, to kid-friendly museums and beautiful beaches, everything you need (and want) is right here. Whatever the season, there are a ton of things to do with the kids, and many of these activities are fun for mom and dad, too. And when you want to experience big city life, the Big Apple is a short train ride away.

Need more proof? We've come up with a list of 25 reasons Long Island is a great place for kids and families. To stay on top of what's happening in the area every day, be sure to check out our Event Calendar.

We know that transportation is often a highly ranked amenity when scouting out summer camps. That's why last week, we rounded up programs throughout Westchester County that offer busing. This week we're turning our attention to the many summer camps throughout Lower Hudson Valley that offer this same convenient service.

Read on for camps in the area that provide transportation, whether it’s door-to-door or from a central location. Looking for more camp ideas? Be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory.

Walk off last week's no-cost desserts at The Arboretum or Descanso Gardens, both of which have free days this Tuesday. A nature promenade is also a good way to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.

Pottery Barn Kids has a craft and story, and Disney’s latest nature film, Monkey Kingdom, screens all week at the El Capitan. The theater itself is magnificent, and the Wildlife Learning Center brings live exotic animals for the pre-show. Teens will also want to hit El Capitan this week for the Ultimate Marvel Marathon, though tickets are steep and it is a school night. On Wednesday, when we wish our planet (and my husband) a happy birthday, why not give pause to our local concern and review ways to reduce water usage during the drought?

It’s Earth Day this week and the Garden State is overflowing with events that celebrate nature and our planet. Spend quality time in the great outdoors at the Hunterdon County Earth Day Celebration, go on Hiking Adventures in Holmdel Park or learn all about Squirmy Wormies. Kids can honor the Earth indoors as well at a performance of Egg and Spoon and Holmdel Library’s Earth Day Story & Craft. Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options.

Celebrating our planet takes center stage this week, with a variety of Earth Day events taking place across Long Island. There's also a storytime and sing-along for smaller children, and the entire family can end the week at a Kid's Fest in Merrick featuring rides, games, treats and more.

Remember, this list is just our top picks, so be sure to check our jam-packed Event Calendar for more options. To receive posts like this in your inbox, sign up for our free newsletters.

There are not many kids' films that I actively look forward to, but Disneynature's Earth Day releases have become an annual tradition that I savor. Previous years' delights have included Chimpanzee, Bears, and African Cats, all of which have raised money to preserve the habitats of their stars. This year, Monkey Kingdom joins the all-star team of animal documentaries produced by this crew. Read on to find out what we love about the film (and seeing it at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre), and to see whether your little ones are ready to love it, too.

April Vacation Week is finally here, and parents can find loads of things to do during spring break to entertain the kids around town. Be sure to check out our posts on the best Patriots' Day and Earth Day festivities for families, and consider taking science-loving kids to some of the Cambridge Science Festival events happening this week.

Special vacation week performances include Shrek the Musical in Boston and The Legend of Banana Kid in Brookline. Some of the many museum offerings include programs for kids at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. The Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo are also hosting special vacation week programming. Read on for all of our picks of the week, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!