Start this week with some deep breathing. The days leading up to the Fourth of July can be a little bit sleepy. If you are hosting a barbecue, get the kids to help with decorations. If you are going to someone else’s party, bring some home made apple pie chips. Meanwhile, it’s summertime in Los Angeles and there is always plenty to do.

Take a mini break from the beach and the pool and enjoy some family-friendly live theater this summer. Sometimes we need a little nudge (here's your nudge...) to remind us about the creative power of live performances. There are some great shows playing in July and August--be sure to check one out and sing along! And for even more summer fun, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Summer and family vacation go together like milk and cookies.  With the kids out of school, many families will hit the road for some fun and togetherness.  This summer, there are deals to be found.  In New England, Great Wolf Lodge has a brand new water-filled outpost. For something more low-key, try a farm-style vacation in New Hampshire.  Tanglewood, the venerable music festival in the Berkshires, invites kids to hear concerts for free. Kids cruise to Nova Scotia from Maine without paying a dime.  Plan a vacation or staycation at the Park Central in New York City and you won’t break the bank. West Coast families can enjoy a getaway to the Enchantment Resort in Arizona or score a cool bargain in hot Palm Springs.  If you’re thinking tropical, the British Virgin Islands has some great offers or try the all-inclusive Paradisis Resorts scattered around the Caribbean, where kids stay free.

All month long we have been featuring the fantastic city of White Plains. So far, we've covered the top things to do and the best parks and playgrounds in the city. Now we're turning our focus to the coolest indoor spots to have fun in White Plains! Whether your family is looking to beat the heat for the day, or simply want to try something new, White Plains offers so many options, the hardest part is choosing what to do first. So read on for our picks of the best indoor places to play and learn in White Plains.

After the winter that just passed, most Long Islanders want to spend as much time outdoors as possible this summer. So what to do when it's so hot and humid that being outside seems unbearable, but mom and dad still don’t want to be stuck inside with the kids? One idea would be to take a drive to our sponsor Splish Splash and spend the day getting wet and wild with a ton of rides and attractions.

This has been a week of transition as our SUMMER OF PLAY begins. Our Mommy Poppins bloggers have been all over the map, dropping off their kids at camp or going camping as a family, and flying off to far-flung destinations like the Caribbean and Europe.

If you're looking at a season-long NYC staycation don't worry—my family is, too. That's why we've been furiously updating all of our popular summer posts like our favorite public pools (which open for the season this Friday) and readers' top 42 outings in and near NYC, along with our list of FREE things to do every day through the end of August, including a bunch of anytime options.

Speaking of FREE summer fun, we kicked off our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE this week with a list of 100 ways to play with kids this season anytime, anywhere. We also launched a great SUMMER OF PLAY giveaway encouraging your family to share your playtime fun on social media to inspire others while simultaneously vying for prizes.

And we have two other giveaways going on this week: Enter to win tickets to this Sunday's Everything Kids Expo at the Aviator Sports and Events Center and like this Facebook post for a chance to win a Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band prize pack, which includes CDs and tickets to see the L.A. kid rockers perform at the Bronx Zoo. Enter ASAP: Both giveaways end this Friday.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

School's out for the summer, and Mommy Poppins has you covered! Our June Go List features a few fantastic events happening this last weekend in June and we've got even more great ideas below.

Westchester libraries are starting their annual Summer Reading Games to inspire kids to read throughout the summer. This year's theme—Fizz, Boom, READ!—focuses on science. The various libraries' big (FREE!) kickoff events vary throughout the week, with Summer Reading Kickoff Party and Dr. Gravity taking place this weekend. And speaking of fun and FREE library programs, there are two standout events this weekend for both kids and adults: Dan Krugman: Luthier offers an opportunity to learn about guitars from a master craftsman and The Great Library Sleepover unites the community for a ginormous slumber party!

Spend the afternoon at the American Roots Music Festival to enjoy the full span of American musical styles on tap from both well-established and up-and-coming artists. Or head to the annual Fireman's Carnival at Harbor Island Park for classic carnival fun. This is also the last weekend to catch Disney's On The Record at White Plains Performing Arts Center. 

Two art events this weekend--Self-Portrait Silhouette and Family Day: Mandy Greer--The Ecstatic Moment invite visitors to be inspired by an exhibit and then create their own masterpiece.

For summertime fun in and around Westchester, look no further than our Events Calendar, where you'll find oodles of ideas—many of which are FREE. Check back often, as new events are added frequently! Plus, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep current with weekend happenings.

For more details, click through to the event listings below. Also, don't forget to check out the other great weekend events we've captured!

Get down and dirty this weekend at the International Mud Day in Yaphank. Or take in some theater--puppet theater that is--at Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre, where they're putting on Little Red Ridinghood.

At night, watch the sky light up with fireworks at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow or watch a movie under the stars in Long Beach.

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