While we're all for enjoying outdoor summer fun, the season doesn't need to be a cultural wasteland. Many of NYC's museums are unveiling new family-friendly exhibits so kids can experience cool art—and cool air-conditioning.

Over the past few weeks, we've posted about a few new installations we've already visited, like Spy: The Secrets of Espionage and Terracotta Warriors at Discovery Times Square, Tomás Saraceno's climbable Cloud City on the roof of the Met and the Czech Center's Orbis Pictus - Play Well, where kids can play on funky, artist-made instruments. But we've found ten other awesome sounding summer exhibits, where kids can get up close and personal with live spiders, gawk at a real Space Shuttle, take art workshops with design pros and more.

Farmers markets are opening up all around the area allowing us to enjoy the bounty of summer products. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to teach your child about good nutrition and developing healthy eating habits. A special place filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers and much more, you can let your child freely explore the delicious world of garden-fresh produce. Many of the farmers markets here in Hartford County provide fun family friendly activities to enjoy as well.

The months of July and August offer us 62 long, sunny, perfect days to get out, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the East End of Long Island. From picturesque quaint towns on the water and homegrown music to Long Island history, hands-on fun, and the quiet beauty of an unspoiled beach, the East End is THE place to be this summer!

Here are 62 ideas of to help you get your summer on! How many have you done already?

We've seen some of the great programs that Long Island libraries have to offer, and have highlighted some of Suffolk County's top libraries. Now: Nassau's libraries. While we love our local library in Oyster Bay, this past week, we thought we'd venture beyond our city limits and see what other libraries have to offer. We were quite surprised by the diversity in programming, activities and artwork we found and think you will be too.

Take it from a summer birthday kid -- just because the weather and water's fine, doesn't mean your birthday will be unforgettable.  It can actually seem like you're getting the shaft with friends away on vacation, off at camp, or spending the summer at dad's house.  No cupcakes at school, no teacher putting a paper crown on your head announcing exactly where the center of attention is.  Parents of summer babies have a tougher job than it seems when it comes to party planning! Here are some fun ideas in Fairfield County. For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

Some of the best fun and free events this summer are being held in your own backyard at your local library. Library calendars are jam-packed with both fun and educational programs that cater to a wide variety of kid's interests from animals and outer space to American Girl and LEGOs. We've rounded up five Suffolk County libraries that not only offer wonderful programming to their own patrons but also generously open their doors to neighbors all over the Island for some very special free events. Also check out Great Free Fun at Long Island's Libraries and The Best Long Island Libraries.