For many of us, Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. It's the weekend we finally uncover our grills for backyard barbecues and make trips to the Cape. However, Memorial Day is at its core a day to honor and remember women and men who lost their lives in military service to our country. To mark the holiday, many families attend their local town parades and memorial services (the one in Chatham is quite a beautiful, moving event). We've rounded up some other family-friendly (and mostly free) events happening in and around Boston during Memorial Day weekend.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Connecticut has got It!

Located in New Haven, the It Adventure Ropes Course, self-proclaimed as the world's largest, will leave you physically challenged and breathless with excitement. Zip lines, suspension bridges, ice cream, and pizza guarantee a fun-filled family outing and memorable experience. 

Whether you're an expectant mother, dad of a toddler or a woman dealing with postnatal life, Nurture{Bklyn} would seem to have a place for you. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Windsor Terrace, Nurture hopes to foster a supportive community of new and expecting families through classes and meet-ups with a special focus on pregnant and new moms and their babies.

Nurture{Bklyn}, which just opened its doors in May, was founded by Elizabeth Mangum-Sarach, an experienced doula and social worker. She is also a mother of two and a Jane of all trades when it comes to childbirth. "I've always dreamed of having a space where women and parents can come together to connect and receive services from many different professionals," Mangum-Sarach says. Nurture is the physical manifestation of her vision, with an inviting backyard and bright child-centric indoor space.

During the summer who doesn't need lots of engaging ways to tire the kids out. While we've got posts on fun activities like biking, hiking, climbing and skateboarding, we know you may not have the time to read and digest them all when you're furiously strapping the "I'm bored!!!" kids into their car seats. Behold, the Fairfield County Cliff's Notes version—the list you can print out and stick in the glove compartment for that moment when you're all buckled up and ready to go—but you have no idea where. Get ready for some energetic fun in the sun with these fun family outings. Just bring your snacks and water bottles, and a sense of adventure.

For the ninth year in a row, New York City is hosting Summer Streets on three consecutive Saturdays. On August 6, 13 and 20 from 7am to 1pm, the Department of Transportation closes Lafayette Street and Park Avenue to motor vehicles from the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge to 72nd Street so people can enjoy cycling, scootering, skateboarding or strolling. Plus, there's lots of entertainment and attractions along the way.

My family and I look forward to Summer Streets every year, and we always make sure to attend at least one of the Saturdays. We're big urban bike riders, so we really make the most of the long, safe, car-less route.

“I betcha’ goin’ fishin’ all the time, baby goin’ fishing’ too …”

With much respect to Taj Mahal, taking kids fishing can be an, ahem, interesting experience if they lack the needed patience. Fishing derbies, however, can be an ideal initiation to the sport. 
At a kids' fishing derby, lakes or ponds are typically stocked with easily caught fish, increasing the chances your son or daughter will have success. We’ve gathered details about some upcoming fishing derbies in Westchester and the surrounding Lower Hudson Valley — all of which are FREE!  

Looking for more tips for fishing with kids in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve slacked on getting a license, you can also take advantage of one of New York State’s Free Fishing Days.  

I have to admit, I have never been the kind of girl to grab a bottle of tanning oil and head off to the beach to bake for hours at a time. Don’t misunderstand me; I love the beach! But after 15 minutes of sunbathing, I start getting antsy. Not surprisingly, my kids are the same when it comes to beach habits. So when we head out on a beach adventure, I always look for beaches that offer more than just sunbathing. Below are a few of our favorites. They all work as day trips from Fairfield County. Then for more beach fun, check out 10 more Fun Beach Day Trips.

My 10-year-old daughter must have sensed my trepidation on the way to the Angry Birds Movie screening, because she said, "Don't worry, Mom. Maybe it will be a pleasant surprise, like The LEGO Movie." She knows I'm not big on movies based on brands. LEGO was an exception because it wasn't locked in to a specific story line. But thanks to the ubiquitous game, Angry Birds has a set premise: the birds are angry, and the pigs are villains. In the eponymous film we find out why. And, while it doesn't always soar, it's definitely not for the birds, either.

That's good news for parents, since every child between the ages of 2 and 12 seems set on flying directly to the theater to catch this animated adventure on opening day. But before you go, you probably have some pressing questions—especially what exactly earns the flick a PG rating, and whether it's worth the extra splurge to see it in 3D. We watched the film with eagles eyes and have the answers.