Summer vacation ain't what it used to be. The majority of school districts now opt for an August start date, with only a few stragglers sticking with the old-school, post-Labor Day start. Don't just assume you know when school starts based on last year, as there's always a bit of shuffling of the schedule. This year Glendale leads the back-to-school race with a party-pooper start date of August 8, while last out the gate is Torrance, at a more traditional September 8.

Wondering where your district fits in, and how much time you have left for these 50 Free Things To Do in Summer? Read below for our list of start and finish dates for the 2016-2017 school year in and around LA County! And if what you read makes you wonder about what other school options are available to you, maybe our school guide can help.

Times Square and its vicinity might seem like the last place to wile away a few relaxing hours with a child. But we have an updated jewel to add to our list of wonderful NYC playgrounds and parks. Ramon Aponte Park in Midtown has recently undergone a transformation, and chances are you won’t recognize the newly renovated, charming neighborhood playground and splash pad.

One of my favorite things to do with the kids over the summer is to take some day trips to the East End to enjoy everything it has to offer for families. From pick your own farms to frolicking on the area’s beautiful beaches, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied while school is out of session.

A few weeks ago, we got the chance to explore one of the North Fork’s gems: The Little Red Barn in Jamesport. Ten years ago, Kate Nickles and her husband bought 40 acres of land, including the barn that was the original home to the carousel that is now in Greenport. In addition to building their dream home on the property, Kate, a native to the area and a lifelong horse rider, decided to open The Little Red Barn to pass down her knowledge and love for horses and other farm animals to local and visiting children.

If you've ever considered visiting Manhattan's highest point, you've probably contemplated a trip to One World Observatory, but if you want to keep your feet on the ground and still find a spectacular view, your best bet is to head to the southern edge of Washington Heights where you'll find Manhattan's oldest house, Morris-Jumel Mansion, perched atop Sugar Hill.

Built in 1765 as a summer villa for his family by British Colonel Roger Morris and his wife, Mary Philipse, the mansion stands today as a museum and member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. A visit brings sweeping views of the city, a glimpse into New York City's rich history, and puts you just a wee-bit closer to the Hamilton phenomenon.

Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County has just about everything required for a successful summer day trip with kids. Clean water and attentive lifeguards? Check. Picnicking area? Check. Decent playground? Double check.

My family has visited this park as day-trippers and overnight campers many times over the last decade and we always enjoy ourselves, whether we're staying for the day or an entire weekend. To help make the most of your trip, we have what you need to know about visiting this Lower Hudson Valley summer destination.

Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Summer Activity Guide and sign up for our newsletters.  

You have been rocking it as a parent lately. Checking off all the top things to do with your little ones since they started summer break, hitting up the best spray grounds and splash pads, seeing the latest movies, and taking day trips to the beach. You've even managed to make fun nights out a little more adult friendly. But now it's time for a little break and a good old-fashioned date night. Fortunately, even in the summer, there are plenty of options for a parent's night out that won't break the bank! This roundup will give you a Friday night to enjoy with your sweetie while your kids have a great time and make new friends. 

My daughter was just 18-months old when she saw her first circus show (Big Apple Circus, of course). We've gone back every year and by the time she was in preschool, she was begging me to show her how to hula hoop, juggle and clown around. Except for the acting like a clown part, I am seriously circus-skill challenged. But there are lots of cool circus programs in NYC that are happy to teach aspiring acrobats and budding Bozos the tricks of the trade.

While we already have a post on trapeze classes for kids, the programs spotlighted here train children in a wide variety of circus skills, not just the aerial arts. Similar to theater courses, circus arts classes can help kids build their confidence, spark their creativity and get a great physical workout. Not sure how your kid would take to a circus class? A lot of these programs offer drop-in sessions so you don't have to make a long-term commitment. On the acrobatic flip side, if your kid is obsessed with circus, many of them offer semester-long courses and awesome summer camps, too. Here are 11 circus classes for kids in New York City.

You can find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

I love board games, so imagine my excitement when I spied a new venue in Hoboken: a cafe devoted entirely to sitting around and playing Scrabble. And Pictionary. And Clue. And... well, you name it, and the Aether Game Cafe has it. Read on for my review of this delightful spot for gathering, eating snacks, and playing Monopoly. And Dominion. And Dungeons and Dragons. And... well, you get the idea.