If you thought last weekend was filled with free festival fun, you haven't seen all events scheduled for THIS weekend! Yes indeed, we're at the height of festival and fair frenzy and this weekend you'll find such great ones as the NJ Seafood Festival , Privateers and Pirates Festival, Victorian Fair, Spring Festival of Children, Rubber Ducky Festival and more!  So pack your appetite and your family and get out and enjoy the fun! For even more June festival fun make sure to check out the Mommy Poppins article here.  Read on for our top picks and remember you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

Summertime's here, and thoughts are turning to vacation plans. But there's no reason to leave the Island for summer fun. Long Island is where it's at come summer. So all summer long, we'll be spotlighting great Long Island towns for staycations. First up: Montauk.

Since the 1970s I've been visiting Montauk. My dad is a fisherman there and we all just love it . Known as "the fishing capital of the world," Montauk is just that and so much more. It's the place to savor the splendor of the sea and the pristine natural beauty of the East End. Every summer, as my family makes the drive to Montauk, mile by mile, I shed my worries and stress and feel my whole body relaxing. The road becomes surrounded by the dense wild greens of the island, the blue sea comes into view, and all is well in the world. By the time we arrive, I'm feeling like I'm in another country and the fresh air and wide-open spaces are both invigorating and relaxing at the same time. My kids are yearning to get out of the car and run!

The area is a nature lover's delight with 5,000 acres of parkland and wildlife to explore and much more. From rolling dunes, hiking trails, and horseback riding, to world-class entertainment, spas, shopping, and activities for the family, Montauk has it all and then some.

It's not news that New York City is a very bike-friendly town. But you may not have heard about NYC's newest cycling spot, Pier 54, which is specifically aimed at people who want to practice riding a bike. Located at 13th Street in Hudson River Park, this learn-to-bike zone is great for families with kids who aren't yet completely comfortable on two (or three or four) wheels. Plus this June, Bike New York will be offerings free bike lessons at Pier 54 for children and adults.

Once your kid's mastered biking, NYC has many wonderful, safe, car-free routes for families to bike together. Last year we shared our favorite places to bike in Manhattan. Today we're sharing our top cycling spots for families in the five boroughs and beyond.

Lately, I've been privileged to forge some amazing partnerships. Last month we helped promote the Partners in Preservation effort that awarded $3 million in grants to local historic landmarks. Apple has asked us to present some of our recommendations for educational apps at the company's Upper West Side store (more info on that to come). And we have another fun event coming up with a large company whose name (sort of) rhymes with doodle. So things are really hoppin' around here!

But today, I want to announce a new partnership I am particularly excited about: the East River Ferry. Last summer, I wrote about my experiences riding on the East River Ferry and all the fun things my family and I did at the different stops. Not only is the East River Ferry a pleasant way to get from one place to another, an all-day pass is an awesome way to explore the different neighborhoods it services (Midtown, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Dumbo and Lower Manhattan). This year, the folks at the East River Ferry and I teamed up to expand on the idea of my original post by creating a free pamphlet with 101 things to do along the East River Ferry route.

Is one of your kids a science junkie? Are you constantly looking for places to dig up fossils or examine shipwrecks? Maybe you’re just looking for some unique local activities for your family. Science Near You is a new web-based application from our pals at the Liberty Science Center that can turn your day into an adventure. Grab your NJ kids and get online to check this cool tool out!

A few decades ago, Gay Pride in New York City was mainly an adult affair, with a big Manhattan march followed by parties until dawn. While those events continue today, a lot has changed about Pride and for the LGBT community as a whole. Many gay couples are now married (legally!) with children and want to celebrate Pride as a family. Plus the festivities aren't limited to Manhattan; now the outer boroughs host notable Pride events, too, with their own vibes and attractions.

Last year, my son and I spent several happy hours eating, shopping and playing our way through the Brooklyn Pride Festival right off Bartel-Pritchard Square. It was mellow and fun, and with Pride Month upon us again, we're looking forward to checking out other kid-friendly Pride celebrations throughout June. While some gatherings are still just for grown-ups, we've found a bunch that are great for the whole family. Bonus: They're all FREE.