Summer is right around the corner, which means it's your last chance to sign the kids up for enriching seasonal programs. Our June deals post features discounts on all kinds of cool camps where kids can enjoy performing theater, playing chess, learning languages and even sailing on the Hudson. Plus, snag a great Central Park Conservancy Family Membership deal, and save on an all-kid production of Seussical, preschooler classes and even personal training sessions for mom and dad. If you see a bargain you can't pass up, act fast: Many of these deals will expire before the month is out.

Every kid loves a birthday party! And we have a whole lot of information on different theme parties, party guides, and even party crafts. Sometimes, though, you just need a great park for the perfect party—a playground, grassy areas, picnic tables, a grill, and maybe a bounce house or piñata. These 10 Valley parks are all great for kids' birthday parties, all have bathrooms available (check the hours), and all are a bit different. Do you want shade? A fenced playground? Water features? Lots of grass? Plenty of table space? There is something here for you.

The countdown to the last day of school has begun—my daughter has been crossing out dates on the calendar with extra zeal. Over the past few weeks, we've gotten a jump on all of the FREE fun summer has on tap by visiting the just-opened Interactive Sculpture Garden and mini-golf course on Governors Island, and enjoying no-cost outdoor movies, kids' concerts and festivals.

If you're planning a NYC staycation this season like we are, you'll find plenty of things to amuse the whole family in our Summer Guide. However, if you're hoping for a vacation or two, our Travel site has in-depth posts about family-friendly travel spots around the country, like our just-published profile of laid-back California beach town Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as international destinations like Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort in the Caribbean. Looking for a getaway that doesn't involve a plane ride? Our tri-state area sites are full of ideas, like the brand-new construction-themed amusement park Diggerland in New Jersey, the quaint waterside town of Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Long Island's activity-packed East End. With all of these cool possibilities, I think I may be as impatient for summer break to arrive as my daughter.

Here's what else we covered in NYC this week:

Saturday is the 10th annual CT Open House day, where state residents can visit art galleries, museums, theaters, historic and tourism venues for free or reduced rates when showing a CT driver's license. It is the perfect opportunity to get out there and explore the wealth of history and culture all around us. Be sure to check each individual's website to see specific offers and admission deals. 

Sunday is Father's Day, and how about checking out Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport? It is a great spot, and we recently reviewed it to give you the inside information about what to expect.  When the pavement is dry and the weather warm, skaters rejoice. Check out some of these skateboard parks in Fairfield County.

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Here are some ideas for the weekend!

The next stop in our Great Small Town series is Red Bank. With an eclectic mix of small town charm and arts & entertainment mecca, Red Bank is the perfect destination for a New Jersey day trip. Located in Monmouth County, Red Bank is filled with restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and parks. It’s located on the Navesink River and just five miles from the Atlantic Ocean, so it’s a short drive to several public beaches, including Sandy Hook and the Gateway National Recreation Area.