Day one of summer vacation and the score in this house is kids 1 million, mom 0. While I dreamed of three freshly scrubbed, idyllic children working together on community service projects and requesting additional math assignments, the reality is the trio argues over, well… everything. Who gets the pink spoon, who gets the cow mug, who gets to grab yesterday’s mail out the box... and this is only the very first day of school break! Clearly, Operation Get the Heck Out of the House needs to be kicked into high gear. And what better way to keep kids of all ages and interests occupied than local fairs and festivals? If you're up for a day trip, we've rounded up fun summer fetes in Hartford and New Haven counties, as well as Eastern Connecticut. But if you prefer a fest right here in your own Fairfield County backyard, read on.

April showers bring May flowers...and festivals! A lot of festivals. Houston is a diverse city and many festivals give Houstonians the opportunity to explore different cultures through music, dance, and traditional foods. This month there are also art, music, and literature-focused fests as well as themed festivals, from Star Wars to the Renaissance. So, in addition to celebrating Mother's Day and planning your summer vacations, make sure to get out of the house and take the whole family to an amazing festival in the Bayou City. 

A new children’s musical featuring Shopkins, the tiny plastic grocery and household-themed collectibles with names such as Milk Bud, Choc Chips, and Heels, opens in September.

Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! kicks off its national tour in Buffalo, New York on September 14, stopping in more than 75 U.S. cities, including Mommy Poppins regions such as Boston, Long Island, Connecticut, Westchester, across New Jersey, Philadelphia, Houston, and the Los Angeles area.

Whether your child aspires to one day compete in The Hampton Classic or has never been in a saddle before, there are plenty of places on the East End where children can explore their equestrian side.

From first-time horseback riding lessons and trail rides to pony rides and camps, we’ve rounded up some of the best kid-friendly ranches, farms, and riding stables in the Hamptons.

You’ll find even more suggestions for seasonal fun on the East End in our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork. Our guide to kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding offers some of the best deals on aquatic adventures. And don’t forget to check out the Event Calendar for the latest happenings all over the Island.

Just as its population is diverse, so are options for Mother’s Day brunch in Queens. It’s mom's special day, and she'll want to relax with family, sip a mimosa and eat great food knowing that spills won't be met with rolling eyes. So we’ve curated this family-friendly list of brunch options in the borough, offering inventive twists on traditional favorites. Don’t worry, omelets and French toast still are represented.

Check out our suggestions for how to spend the rest of your 2017 Mother's Day in NYC, or peruse Brooklyn or Manhattan brunch options if you're thinking of hopping boroughs.

With a slate of highly-anticipated animated kids movies coming to a big screen near you this year, what better place to host your birthday kid’s party than at your local cinema? From multiplexes with stadium seating to intimate movie houses, we found the best big screens to give your birthday superstar the red carpet experience. And with snacks and drinks included, you do nothing (except maybe bring a cake), so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the show, too. For more birthday party planning advice, check out our NJ Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas Guide.

Summer is here and that means plenty of time for fun in the sun.

The East End of Long Island offers a number of beaches for kids to romp in the sand and splash in the waves. But if your kids also enjoy climbing and sliding, try these six beaches that feature playgrounds in the area. And for more East End fun, take a look at our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

For an Islandwide look at the best beach playgrounds, see our list of these entertaining options.

Located in the center of Connecticut, New Britain is a city rooted in manufacturing and industry, leaving some to wonder what family-friendly activities can be found in this Hartford area community. However, with a little exploring, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all it has to offer. A variety of kid-friendly spots waiting to be explored include places to play and enjoy nature, opportunities to discover and create art, try out some old-fashioned soda, and gaze at the stars.