Staten Island, the oft “forgotten” borough of New York City, may not offer the hustle and bustle of that other island, and that works just fine for isle residents. Staten Island has its own rich, vibrant community, and summer is the perfect time to explore it when FREE fun and outdoor activities are on tap for kids in every corner of the borough.

The ferry docks in St. George, home to the Staten Island Yankees, Snug Harbor, Staten Island Museum, and more. Head further inland with the kids to discover gorgeous parks and greenways, community events, beaches, fairs, and parades, as well as destination play spaces, museums, and even NYC's first indoor trampoline park and the city's only indoor skate park—all adding up to a summer full of family-friendly activities.

As a Staten Island resident raising two boys, I love discovering new ways to enjoy the isle with my family. Read on for our top picks for summer fun with kids on Staten Island. And be sure to check out NYC Summer Fun Guide for more summer planning ideas, and the 100 Free Things to Do in NYC This Summer.

Little girls want to grow up to be just like their mommies, right? Whether it's playing dress-up or feeding her baby doll, your adorable mini-me just can't get enough of pretending to be you. So why not invite her to tag along the next time you indulge at the nail salon? We can't think of a better way to put a smile on your princess's face than going out for a real mani/pedi together. Orange County is home to kid-friendly spas from Costa Mesa to Garden Grove, where mothers and daughters can pamper themselves with tandem treatments for their tootsies. We've hunted down some that make a point to cater to their youngest customers; here are our favorites:

A child’s early years go by fast, and should be filled with adventure, exploration, and joy. Nature-based preschools are a great option for parents interested in offering their children a learning environment without walls. Below are 10 preschool recommendations that allow children to learn and explore outdoors, warmed by sunshine, and stimulated by the natural world around them. Also, the Montessori  curriculum typically incorporates nature as well and we've listed some Montessori preschools here.

Going to your local playground is the perfect activity for free summer fun. But sometimes you're away from home and in need of a jungle gym for the kids to play on. Luckily there are several really special playgrounds in Boston that are just waiting for you to explore. No matter what neighborhood you're in, chances are there's a great playground nearby. Here are seven of the best in Boston.

My husband, who prides himself on his gift-giving, had quite a surprise for me this Mother's Day. While I had plans to meet close friends in Battery Park City, those plans were derailed when he made our family of five—toddler included—follow him to a bar in Midtown. My mood went from perplexed to pleasantly surprised when I learned the reason: He had booked a scavenger hunt for the day.

From beaches to amusements to water parks, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure in New Jersey this summer. If you’re looking for something new and different to spice up your summer bucket list, you’re in luck. New and improved outdoor experiences are popping up throughout the state. Check out these five fun newcomers to the New Jersey summer scene.

For most Angelenos, the stretch of Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea evokes images of uber hip twenty-somethings being punctured by tattoo needles and pierced through any number of body parts—not necessarily a destination for tots. But an afternoon meandering Melrose with kids in mind can be both family friendly and super cool. Why not revisit one of the streets of your youth with your youths in tow, and up the style factor of your LA brood? For more ideas in the neighborhood check out 25 Things To Do in Hollywood with Kids.

NY Kids Club will open three new enrichment centers and three more of its accredited NY Preschools in January 2017, bringing to 15 the number of locations across NYC. These new tot learning spots will be situated in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Dumbo and Cobble Hill, as well as Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Each will be equipped with state-of-the-art gymnasiums for ongoing enrichment classes and open play for members, as well as classroom space for the preschoolers.

The Dumbo location at 135 Plymouth Street in Brooklyn will house five classrooms contained within an 8,400-square-foot floor plan, while the two-story Cobble Hill location at 299 Court Street comes in at 6,000-square-feet with five classrooms. Greenwich Village's 11 Fifth Avenue location will be cozier at less than half that size and three classrooms.