My kids have visited enough museums in their short lives that they now actually look forward to exploring new exhibits, taking part in scavenger hunts, workshops, guided tours and the like. So when I brought up the idea of learning about art but also staying outside and playing, they were more than game. The good news? Accessible, diverse, entertaining (and mostly free!) exhibits can be found throughout the Boston area, all appropriate for visiting with children.

The beauty of looking at outdoor, public art with kids is that, depending on your child’s mood, you can stop and investigate or just take it in at a glance as you pass by. For insights on making any public art encounter with children a good experience, Mommy Poppins Boston spoke with art expert Wyona Lynch-McWhite, Executive Director of Fruitlands Museum in Harvard. Read on for Lynch-McWhite’s thoughts as well as places in and around Boston where parents can take children for a great public art experience.

When celebrating a child's birthday, or in need of a craft project for a rainy afternoon, a visit to the local, independently-owned toy store is an enjoyable outing. We searched for the best toy stores that carry major brands, as well as classic and wooden toys, unique gifts, and specialty items like kites and miniatures. Read on for our top picks on where to shop for toys in the Hamptons and North Fork. For more shopping fun, check out Top Ten Candy Stores In The Hamptons & North Fork.

Many families move to Long Island for its wonderful amenities, such as ample backyards, beautiful parks, and great schools. So it shouldn't come as any surprise that many cultural resources for kids exist here too. Looking to enroll a budding dancer in a great ballet class? Long Island is home to several schools, which are founded by professional dancers. These schools offer a variety of excellent programs for children of all ages. Here is a list of the most notable schools. And for more classes on Long Island, check out our After-School Programs, Classes and Activities Guide.

Here we are halfway through summer break and I'm finding that my eight-year-old son is getting a little too much screen time. Long rides in the car (or on the subway or bus) to reach far-flung destinations, waiting on lines for various activities and even playdates all inspire him to beg for my iPhone or iPad. And of course when we're at home, the TV, the laptop and the Wii all beckon.

Of course the issue of limiting screen time for kids isn't unique to summer. I'm a stickler about it year-round (even though I admit I check my own email every ten minutes). While the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests school-age children spend no more than two hours a day engaged with "entertainment media"—TV, computers, smartphones and other electronic devices—I try to keep his screen consumption to 30 minutes a day. And usually, I manage to do it without my son devolving into fits. Here are 9 easy-to-implement ideas that will help get your kids—and you!—to turn off all those screens.

Take me out to the ball game! Or at least take me to a batting cage. Pre-kids, my husband and I frequented batting cages for fun (romantic, I know). But now that we have kids who can swing a bat, it's even more rewarding to hit up (pun intended) the area cages. We suggest you give it a try, too. Choose from slow to fast pitch, softball or baseball. Smack your troubles away, and watch the kids jump with delight when they make contact. From the Valley to the OC, it's a great place for beginners to figure it all out, and for the more advanced to finesse their swinging skills. Batter up!