At almost 9, my older is son is getting a bit jaded when it comes to playgrounds. He loves a good game of Frisbee in an open field, and he’s always up for tag, but take him to a typical playground and his attitude is meh. If there are no other kids his age, conquering the monkey bars quickly loses its shine and he starts asking to leave way before my 4-year-old is ready to go.

But Sally’s Dream Playground at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery is an exception. This playground features engaging challenges and fun for kids young and old, along with lots of open green space, paved trails for biking and scootering, picnic areas and more attractions. Sally's Dream Playground really lives up to its name; with everything this park offers, it's definitely worth the drive.

Family fun ramps up as NYC public school kids get ready for summer vacation. This week, catch popular kindie rockers Suzi Shelton in Fort Greene Park and Recess Monkey in Madison Square Park. Plus Brick Fest Live! takes over the New York Hall of Science with tons of Lego-building activities.

This is our last weekday events roundup until school is back in session in September, but we've got your family's season covered in our Summer Fun Guide, which is packed with roundups of FREE movies, concerts, beaches, playgrounds, water fun and things to do every day. And there's even more options in our Event Calendar.

I'm feeling pretty smug today. Not only did I take my kid on an outing in his hometown that thrilled him within an inch of his life; I also found an activity that was utterly and completely new to our LA team's native Angeleno, Jackie Stansbury. You may have noticed a recurring theme in Jackie's posts: unlike most LA parents I know, her childhood memories are actually all right here in the Southland. When she talks about a grunion run, she compares it to the one she did 40 years ago. In short, there's nothing new under the LA sun for her. That is, until today, when she and I were invited to do some scootering under the sun in funny little vehicles that feel like a cross between a bumper car and Colonel Klink's motorcycle. We took our kids on LA's newest road adventure: Sunny Day Scoots.

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?