Summer's latest heatwave means it's the perfect time to plan a visit to the Fountain of the Fairs, the mega sprayground at the foot of The Unisphere in the kid-friendly Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Unveiled on a gray October day last fall, the fountain is now fully functional and a dreamy destination on a hot afternoon.

How much do I love my air fryer? Oh, let me count the ways ... Despite its name, an air fryer is not really a fryer at all—it's a countertop convection oven that turns foods crispy and golden almost without any oil. But the air fryer goes way beyond fried foods! This tiny powerhouse can cook just about anything you place in it quickly, efficiently, and healthily. The only tricky thing is finding the best recipes that the entire family will enjoy. (Don't worry, I've got you covered with some amazing air fryer recipes.)

LA is such a vast city with so much to offer, which can be both good and bad. The good is that there are so many cool camps and classes. The bad is that it's hard (impossible?) to commit to driving all the way across town for a daily or weekly camp or class. So when I heard that Meri Cherry (who hosts incredible art camps for kids) was opening a brand new store in Encino where anyone could drop into and make art, I was thrilled. No commitment, no appointment, just walk right in and start creating. I took 5 kids (of varying ages) with me to test it out and every one of them gave it a rave review. It's perfect for those days when you just suddenly need something to do that keeps kids occupied, creative, and air-conditioned.

If you're struggling through the latest heatwave, we've got some cool news: Central Park's iconic Wollman Rink has a new operator for the 2021-22 winter season, which means New Yorkers will be able to twirl, glide, and play hockey on the rink, which ranks as one of our favorite outdoor ice skating spots annually.

Read on for details on the proposed deal, which promises to pour all profits back into the rink, preserving this NYC treasure for years to come.

The larger-than-life American Dream Mall has added two new kid-friendly destinations to its ever-expanding lineup: Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center are now open and welcoming visitors in the mall's A Court, adjacent to the indoor ski slope Big Snow.

The new attractions join Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, and a 22,000-square-foot candy store to add to the wonderland atmosphere of the mall, which is an easy day trip destination from much of the metro area.

Fight summer slump by creating an interactive adventure map with your kids that turns your backyard, neighborhood, or nearby park into a one-of-kind adventure!

Taking inspiration from Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure—a sharp, funny, fantastical addition to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney—a hands-on map can take kids on a journey of epic proportions. Read on to find out how to make your map and where you can snag Rowley Jefferson’s other chart-topping books, plus the rest of the Wimpy Kid collection.

Summer evenings scream for alfresco eats, and New Yorkers have plenty of options, from kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor space to family-friendly beer gardens. Another option: the spate of outdoor markets popping up across the boroughs, with international eats, live music, and plenty of people watching. Even better, we’ve perused the options and culled a selection of eateries in these popular markets to please even the pickiest kids. Read on to find your next favorite outdoor family dinner spot.

It's summertime, and we've got an idea to add to your list of outdoor destinations to visit with your crew: a family-friendly beer garden. Surprised? Don't be! These venues can be a pretty fun place for the whole family to grab a bite (and a sip) and enjoy some quality together time. Bring some small toys or card games, order some pretzels, kick back, and enjoy. Find more family-friendly picks for eating out in our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.