Ice cream. Two words that instantly trigger giggles and screeches from most kids. This treat is delicious year-round, but definitely even better in summer. In my household, we take ice cream very seriously—in fact, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day in July (yes, there is such a thing!) by driving around in search of frozen delights to fill our bellies.

We find that Farmington Valley near Hartford, Connecticut boasts top-notch ice cream. Whether you get it in a cup or a chocolate-dipped cone, with rainbow sprinkles or gummy bears, atop a fluffy waffle or in a banana split, the ice cream in Farmington is sure to tickle your taste buds and cool you down. Below are some of our favorite local parlors. Want more? Check out our roundups of top scoop spots in New Haven County and Fairfield County.

The Inn at East Hill Farm is a special place. It combines hands-on learning at a working farm with all the fun of sleepaway camp and the blissful convenience of an all-inclusive resort.

Nestled in the Mount Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, the resort has views that go on forever and a relaxed, when-you're-here-you're-family vibe. There are activities galore and all meals are included, so you won’t need to go anywhere else during your stay—and I’m guessing you’ll be happy to leave the car parked, let someone else do the cooking, and focus your energy on having a ball with your kids.

Pixar's brand-new adventure, Inside Out, hits theaters this weekend, and once again audiences in Los Angeles have the edge on the rest of the country, because we have the option of seeing the film with El Capitan's live stage show. Neither the movie nor the show disappoints; Inside Out harks back to the studio's best work, reminiscent of Toy Story's perfectly balanced blend of wistfulness and whimsy; and the 3D LED light dance spectacle that precedes it is, frankly, out of this world. Ready to laugh, cry, and bathe yourself in a psychedelic glow? More to the point, are your kids ready? The film is rated PG for a reason, so here's what you need to know before taking young children to experience the Disney/Pixar summer blockbuster.

Summer fun continues this week with prehistoric adventures, sweet treat experiences and overnight camping—yes, right here in NYC parks!

Families can also take a day trip back to yesteryear with one of these old-school activities in New Jersey, like drive-in theaters, vintage trains and swimming holes. Or check out the slew of summer festivals and fairs in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including a Food Truck Rodeo and a street fair featuring a 1,000-foot-long Slip 'N Slide. And if you're heading to the Hamptons, peruse our list of kid-friendly nature walks on the East End.

Our Travel site has details on a family getaway to the Mount Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

One summer movie kids can’t wait to see is Minions, the prequel to the highly successful Despicable Me series. Most families have to wait until the film's release on July 10, but a handful of lucky Mommy Poppins readers can catch a sneak peek of these mischievous little fellows back in action at an advance screening hosted by our sponsor, Universal Studios, on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 11am at AMC Loews Lincoln Square. Want to surprise your kids with some free tickets?

The Regatta Playground in West Orange has been on my to-do list since it opened in 2014. Now that my family and I have visited the nautical-themed romping spot, I can confirm it's not just your run-of-the-mill playground. Located at Cherry Lane, the Regatta Playground is the newest addition to the South Mountain Recreation Complex, which also includes the Turtle Back Zoo, the Essex County Treetop Adventure Course, Codey Arena and MiniGolf Safari. With all those attractions, the complex is a pleasant day trip, although the Regatta Playground is a destination unto itself.

After a great afternoon watching all types of dance from flamenco to Iranian at the Dance for World Community Festival last Saturday, my family is ready to hit the woods for some Father's Day camping this weekend. But if the dad in your life isn't the outdoorsy type, never fear. On their special day, dads can enjoy free admission to local attractions, jazz on an island, a heaping plate of strawberry shortcake and plenty of other Father's Day family fun. And while Sunday is all about dads, book-loving families won't want to miss the Hubbub in Copley Square on Saturday.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Fill your calendar with music using our roundup of free summer outdoor concerts.
• If you've never visited Mass Audubon's South Shore Sanctuaries, get the lowdown on what to do there with kids.
• For a quick getaway, discover what the Mount Monadnock region has to offer families.
• Kids can have tons of fun getting messy with water gun painting.
• As summer heats up in Boston, these spray decks and wading pools can keep kids cool.

Enjoy your Father's Day weekend, and don't forget to check out our full Event Calendar!

There was a time when the release of any Pixar movie seemed like a major event. Even before I became a mom, I ran to the theater on opening weekend to see Toy Story 1 and 2, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. After my daughter was born, we enjoyed WALL-E, Up and Toy Story 3 together. But I admit, our Pixar fever waned a bit over the past few years, perhaps due to increased animation competition, or maybe it was just those awful Planes movies (technically not Pixar flicks, but spun off from Cars). So my 9-year-old kid and I were thrilled to discover that Pixar's brand-new adventure, Inside Out, harks back to the studio's best work. It's got Toy Story's perfectly balanced blend of wistfulness and whimsy, mixed with a surreal, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-style take on the complex emotions and memories that make us tick.

At the advance screening we attended, kids and grown-ups were enthralled—even the group of rowdy teens in front of us stopped texting, they were so into it. At times, each group laughed out loud (or cried) at different scenes, proof that the movie works on multiple levels. And yet, even though this is the first must-see family film of the summer, is it good for all ages? It's rated PG for a reason, so here's what you need to know before taking young children to see Inside Out.