School's out for summer! I'm looking forward to kicking back and relaxing at a local spray pool to ease into vacation, but celebrations are also in order, especially with Independence Day on the horizon. Why not get a head start at one of the early 4th of July celebrations happening this weekend?

If you prefer to wait for the actual Fourth for your festivities, there are plenty of alternatives for a good time this weekend, including filling up on summer's best dessert or catching the Seine boat races. To round out the weekend, two highly-anticipated events include a release party for a local musician and an incredible peek into the science behind some of our favorite films for kids (pictured).

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• The Fourth is just around the corner! We share some great ways to celebrate without fireworks.
• Visiting the Harvard Museums with kids is even more fun when you know what to expect.
• If you're looking for a different type of getaway, consider a family farm vacation in New Hampshire.
• Our roundup of local 4th of July fireworks (not on the Esplanade) might help you discover a new favorite spot.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

What a weekend to kick off summer vacation! You can sling some dirt at International Mud Day at the Suffolk County Farm, or catch various versions of Cinderella onstage in Garden City, Oakdale and Smithtown. If you're looking for a bang for no bucks, there are fireworks in Eisenhower Park (rescheduled to Monday, June 29) and Point Lookout this weekend, too.

Families can cap off their Saturday with a free outdoor movie in Long Beach, or explore lavishly decorated greenery at Old Westbury Gardens.

Remember, you can find even more options in our jam-packed Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide. To receive our posts in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletters.

Summer break kicks off with a slew of awesome activities this weekend. In addition to NYC public pools opening on Saturday, there are many annual favorites like the ride-filled Astoria Park Festival, the interdisciplinary Harlem Arts Festival and Park Slope's Puppetry Arts Festival.

Of course all of those picks are outside but, if you believe NY1, we're looking at a monsoon this weekend. So we're highlighting plenty of indoor events, too, like riding on vintage subway cars in honor of the 100th anniversary of the BMT and hands-on Lego fun at Brick Fest Live! at the New York Hall of Science.

All of our best bets for this weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

School's out for the summer, and Mommy Poppins has you covered! This weekend features a robust lineup of fabulous performances, eclectic festivals and more great fun for Westchester families. The fire-eating and sword-fighting antics at A Night on Fire are sure to dazzle, and who doesn’t love the Big Apple Circus? Outdoor festivals this weekend include Sidewalk Chalk Art, American Roots Music and Irish Heritage.

For more seasonal fun in and around Westchester, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide, where you'll find plenty of ideas—many of which are FREE. Check back often, as new listings are added frequently. And be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletters to get our posts delivered to your inbox.

Dinosaurs—the word alone conjures up powerful images and a sense of mystery. Most children go through a dinosaur-loving period, often fueled by cartoons and movies. If your kids are enjoying such a phase now, they have embarked upon an exciting adventure, and there are many engaging destinations in Connecticut where they can pursue their Jurassic Park-like quest, whether your family enjoys science museums, amusement parks, or artistic expressions. And remember to check our Event Calendar regularly for special dinosaur-themed activities, like this week's Dino Days at Stepping Stones Children's Museum.

Here’s hoping for a wonderful June weekend filled with sun and clear skies! There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in New Jersey this Saturday and Sunday: Sample delicious cannoli at the annual Italian-American Festival in North Wildwood, savor sweet fruit at the Whitesbog Blueberry Festival or build a whimsical garden house during Fairy Day at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. For some fun hands-on learning, experience a day of Spectacular Science at the Garden State Discovery Museum or roll up your sleeves and get digging at the Community Fossil Hunt at Poricy Park.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

Nothing, just nothing, is better than having your little one’s birthday party in your own home.  But love them as I do, home-based birthday parties can be a real headache.  Herding my own three kids is hard enough – the thought of adding ten more is nearly more than I can handle!  Fortunately, there's a simple solution: host the party at home, but outsource the entertainment. The best of both worlds! Below are several outfits that will come to your Fairfield County home and put on a birthday party – money well spent! For more party ideas check out our Party Guide!

Memorial Day may have marked the unofficial start of summer, but East Enders know the season doesn’t really begin until the end of the school year, which is this week! As students start their break on the North and South Forks, abundant summertime activities for kids take over. This weekend alone, you can treat your family to a car show, nature walks and a magic spectacle.

And for more fun in the area, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.