Nature is in full bloom on the East End of Long Island. Families on the North or South Fork have an abundance of outdoor activity options this weekend, including nature hikes, bird-watching, aquarium fun and more. Reservations are recommended for most of these East End events, all of which are sure to open your child’s eyes and mind to the wonders of our natural world.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, renting a place for the summer or live on the East End, you’ll want to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide. And for fun on the rest of the island, take a look at our Event Calendar.

As a child I did not go to a local school, and it was always my dream to be able to walk to class. Now grown up with kids of my own, I live in a very foot-friendly Los Angeles community. From the moment my kids could take off on two feet, we have been promenading in the park and walking to the library, the grocery store, the farmer’s market, and our multiple options for fro-yo. I like to think that I have modeled safety and caution, and hope that's been absorbed by my children.

My daughter is off to middle school next year and I know she is going to want to walk on her own. Should I let her? Yes. No. Maybe. It is possibly more difficult to parent a middle schooler than to be one.

One of the most nerve-racking decisions we face as parents is figuring out whom to trust with our children when the time comes to head back to work or find a preschool. We want our babes to be in a nurturing and safe environment where all their needs are met, and someone really appreciates the wonderful, unique, amazingness of them. Families in the outer boroughs already know Mommy Poppins sponsor All My Children Daycare and Nursery School and its creative, individualized approach to group childcare; recently, the school opened a new location, making it possible for Manhattan and Lower East Side families to access its years of experience as well.

It's been a busy week in NYC, and I'm not just talking about my jam-packed, summer-is-almost-here calendar. There are a slew of change-ups to share, from a new supermarket chain coming to Brooklyn and the close of yet another longtime toy store, to a green lunchroom initiative for NYC public schools and an art project for the tunnel leading to the 191st street 1 subway station.

Fun or fundamentals... why choose when your kid can have both? Parents of athletically inclined children on the East End of Long Island have a number of options for summertime sports. Novices can be introduced to a sport in an inexpensive town clinic, while more experienced athletes can refine their skills under the guidance of a seasoned instructor.

Either way, the East End offers kids' sports programs that range from baseball and basketball, to kayaking and lacrosse. And for more classes and activities, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

Memorial Day. A final day off before summer unofficially hits and every day feels like a holiday. There is a ton of stuff to do on Monday, from parades and concerts to strawberries and bunnies, but there is nothing quite like a jaunt to the canyon, particularly if you yearn for a 1960s vibe, so I vote for the Topanga Days Country Fair.

Speaking of the '60s, Disney’s latest release, Tomorrowland, is truly an "E" ticket ride. (Angelenos of a certain era will surely know what that means.) Other midweek fun includes stargazing by day in Glendale or by evening in Burbank and Westwood. Read on for our top 5 picks for the week.

This week kicks off with Memorial Day, and holiday fun is plentiful at events like the Wildwoods International Kite Festival and the Woodland Park Memorial Day Street Fair. But the fun doesn't end on Monday! Family-friendly festivities are happening throughout the week, including the St. Vincent de Paul Carnival and the SMS Italian Festival. There are also a few free indoor events for tots like the You & Me Toddler Program and Stretchy, Squishy Silly Putty. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more activity options.

It's the unofficial start of summer, and Long Island families can look forward to a variety of seasonal fun. This week you can enjoy a historic hike, a strawberry festival, and a fair with rides and entertainment.

For even more activities going on around LI, be sure to check our Event Calendar. Spending some time on the East End? You'll also want to take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.